Researcher

Dimensional Fund Advisors; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dimensional Fund Advisors in Austin seeks a PhD Researcher to produce academically grounded research supporting investment strategies, improve understanding of markets, and educate clients. Researchers publish white papers and present at Dimensional seminars.

You will conduct rigorous empirical studies, work with investment and sales teams, and stay current with asset pricing literature. A PhD and 3–5 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD in finance, economics, econometrics, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with large datasets and econometric methods.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, Matlab, or Fortran.
• Excellent written and oral communication of complex concepts.
• Ability to carry research from idea to publication or implementation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous empirical research on portfolio construction and implementation.
• Run historical simulations, regression, attribution, and characteristics analyses.
• Collaborate with investment and sales teams to tailor solutions.
• Share findings through white papers and presentations.
• Contribute to internal research seminars and discussions.
• Review academic research on asset pricing to inform strategies.

Skills

Empirical research

Econometrics

Statistics

C/C++

Python

Matlab

Fortran

Communication

Education

PhD in finance/economics/related field

Job description

Job Description

The Research department at Dimensional is integral both in the successful day-to-day functioning of the firm and in developing Dimensional’s long-term strategy. The team produces high-quality, thought-leadership research on investments and financial markets that is of interest to clients. The team also leads the development of the firm’s investment approach and the application of that approach through portfolio management and trading.

Job Description

The Research department at Dimensional is integral both in the successful day-to-day functioning of the firm and in developing Dimensional’s long-term strategy. The team produces high-quality, thought-leadership research on investments and financial markets that is of interest to clients. The team also leads the development of the firm’s investment approach and the application of that approach through portfolio management and trading.

Our team is seeking an experienced PhD Researcher in Austin, Texas to help deliver these key services. Researchers are expected to produce high-quality, academically grounded research to support and enhance our investment strategies, improve our understanding of financial markets, and for client education. Research findings are shared through white papers and presentations at Dimensional seminars and conferences.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous empirical research related to portfolio structure and implementation, run historical simulations, perform regression, attribution and characteristics analysis, conduct econometric tests to evaluate the impact of different portfolio construction and implementation approaches on expected performance, costs, and diversification of our investment strategies.
• Work closely with our investment and sales team to develop investment solutions that meet our clients’ needs, goals, and preferences in a reliable, cost effective, and transparent way.
• Share our research findings through white papers and presentations at Dimensional seminars and conferences.
• Participate in and contribute to internal research seminars.
• Discuss Dimensional’s investment philosophy, process, and strategies with clients and prospects.
• Review the latest advances in the academic work on asset pricing to support and enhance our investment strategies and for client education.

Qualifications

• PhD in a discipline such as finance, economics, actuarial mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines.
• 3-5 years of relevant industry experience and excellent knowledge in finance and accounting.
• Ideal candidates will have extensive experience doing empirical research with large datasets, a strong background in econometrics and statistics, and strong programming skills in one or more languages such as C, C++, Python, Matlab, or Fortran.
• Excellent ability to communicate financial and economic concepts, in both oral and written form to a variety of different audience types.
• Researchers are responsible for independently completing research projects, from idea generation to paper publication or strategy implementation. Strong candidates will also have exceptional attention to detail, imagination, and creativity.

Dimensional offers a variety of programs to help take care of you, your family, and your career, including comprehensive benefits, educational initiatives, and special celebrations of our history, culture, and growth.

It is the policy of the Company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. The Company recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious practice, creed, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), caregiver status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, familial status, domestic partnership status, military or veteran status or service, unemployment status, citizenship status or alienage, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a victim of stalking, status as a victim of sex offenses, genetic information, political activities or recreational activities, arrest or conviction record, salary history, natural hairstyle or any other status protected by applicable law except as otherwise required or permitted by law or regulation applicable to the Company or its affiliates.