Quantitative Researcher - Private Investments

Selby Jennings; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in Chicago is seeking a Data Scientist who will oversee the design, development, and deployment of analytical models. The candidate should have a strong proficiency in Python and SQL, along with a solid understanding of machine learning and statistics. The role involves evaluating datasets and improving internal products, offering a collaborative environment that values high-quality outcomes. This position does not provide Visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant industry experience (excluding internships).
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Collaborative and low-ego working style.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, development, and deployment of machine learning models.
• Evaluate unconventional and emerging datasets.
• Foster a culture of rigorous thinking and continuous improvement.

Skills

Python

SQL

Statistics

Machine Learning

Optimization

Applied Mathematics

Tools

GCP

Docker

Prefect

Job description

The firm is a long‑term oriented private investment firm that actively partners with brand‑name high‑growth companies solving complex, large‑scale problems across industries such as advanced manufacturing, next‑generation consumer products, aerospace, food systems, transportation, and emerging technology. It operates with a hands‑on approach rooted in operational excellence, supporting portfolio companies by working directly alongside founders, operators, and engineering teams.

About the Team

The Data team serves as an internal engine for data‑driven insight and product development. The group builds analytical tools that help identify promising opportunities, enhance evaluation frameworks, and provide quantitative support for investment and operational teams.

The team spans data science, research, and engineering disciplines, collaborating to create models and systems that push the boundaries of what is possible in applying advanced analytics to private markets and innovation‑centric sectors.

Role Overview

The Data Scientist will oversee the design, development, and deployment of machine learning and analytical models used across the firm's investment research and decision‑support workflows. This includes ownership of the full project lifecycle: concept formation, exploratory analysis, model construction, validation, and integration into production environments.

This individual will help evaluate unconventional and emerging datasets, extract insights from complex information sources, and continuously improve existing internal products. The role also plays an important part in fostering a culture of rigorous thinking, disciplined methodology, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant industry experience (excluding internships)
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL
• Strong understanding of statistics, machine learning, optimization, and applied mathematics
• A collaborative and low‑ego working style, with strong commitment to high‑quality output

Preferred Experience

• Experience with quantitative modeling, signal generation, or portfolio‑related research in private or public market equities
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, containerization, or workflow orchestration tools (e.g., GCP, Docker, Prefect)

This firm is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.