Senior Associate, Quantitative Strategies

Principal Financial Group; Seattle, Des Moines, New York (WA, IA, NY); On-site; USD 141,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Flexible time off

In-office work 4–5 days per week

Job summary

Principal Asset Management is seeking a Quantitative Research Senior Associate for the Asset Allocation team in the United States. The role combines quantitative research, data management, and portfolio management support to develop and sustain quantitative equity investment models for real asset and liquid alternative portfolios.

The candidate should have 5+ years of related experience or a PhD with 3+ years, strong Python and SQL skills, and a track record in stock selection or sector rotation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Finance, Financial Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 5+ years of related industry experience; OR a PhD in one of these fields with 3+ years of related industry experience
• Related experience should include quantitative research, factor modeling, sector rotation research, multi-asset investing, real assets, liquid alternatives, or portfolio management support
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, with experience developing, testing, and maintaining quantitative models, datasets, and analytical tools
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead research projects, test hypotheses, evaluate results, and communicate actionable insights
• Experience conducting stock selection or equity sector rotation research within a systematic investment team

Responsibilities

• Alpha research: Develop and enhance sector rotation signals across inflation-sensitive equity sectors, including REITs, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, using both fundamental and macroeconomic drivers
• Data sourcing: Evaluate, acquire, and onboard new external data sources to support investment research
• Data management: Partner with Technology to implement and maintain data models, pipelines, databases, and ETL processes. Leverage equity data sources such as FactSet, IBES, and WorldScope
• Model production and data quality: Ensure research data and production models are accurate, reliable, and delivered on a timely basis. Collaborate with Technology to support efficient, well-governed production code
• Portfolio management support: Partner with portfolio managers and the trading desk to support portfolio implementation and investment outcomes

Skills

Python

SQL

Quant research

Factor modeling

Sector rotation research

Multi-asset investing

Real assets

Liquid alternatives

Portfolio management support

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Statistics/Data Science/Finance/Engineering/CS

PhD with 3+ years experience

Tools

FactSet

IBES

WorldScope

Job description

What You'll Do

We're looking for a Quantitative Research Senior Associate to join our Asset Allocation team. In this role, you'll develop and support quantitative equity investment models used in real asset and liquid alternative portfolios. This role combines quantitative research, data management, and portfolio management support. Key responsibilities include:

• Alpha research: Develop and enhance sector rotation signals across inflation-sensitive equity sectors, including REITs, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, using both fundamental and macroeconomic drivers.
• Data sourcing: Evaluate, acquire, and onboard new external data sources to support investment research.
• Data management: Partner with Technology to implement and maintain data models, pipelines, databases, and ETL processes. Leverage equity data sources such as FactSet, IBES, and WorldScope.
• Model production and data quality: Ensure research data and production models are accurate, reliable, and delivered on a timely basis. Collaborate with Technology to support efficient, well-governed production code.
• Portfolio management support: Partner with portfolio managers and the trading desk to support portfolio implementation and investment outcomes.

Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG), managing approximately $740 billion in assets with more than 60 years of investment experience. Recognized as a "Best Places to Work in Money Management" for 14 consecutive years, we help clients around the world achieve their investment goals. Learn more at Principal Asset Management.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Finance, Financial Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 5+ years of related industry experience; OR a PhD in one of these fields with 3+ years of related industry experience
• Related experience should include quantitative research, factor modeling, sector rotation research, multi-asset investing, real assets, liquid alternatives, or portfolio management support
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, with experience developing, testing, and maintaining quantitative models, datasets, and analytical tools
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead research projects, test hypotheses, evaluate results, and communicate actionable insights
• Experience conducting stock selection or equity sector rotation research within a systematic investment team

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Quant research experience in stock selection or equity sector rotation that combines traditional stock selection factors with macro-economic drivers
• Experience supporting real asset or liquid alternatives investment strategies
• Experience with machine learning algorithms and statistical methods
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Self-starter who can work independently and thrive in a collaborative investment environment
• Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions, share perspectives, and contribute to investment discussions

Salary Range Information

Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)

$141000 - $191000 / year

Salary Details

The base salary range for this role is $141,000- $191,000 as indicated above. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, and alignment with the role’s responsibilities.

In addition to base pay, this role participates in an annual profit share bonus plan.

Time Off Program

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.

Pension Eligible

No

We’re open to considering locations in Seattle, Des Moines, or New York City. We work a four or five day in-office setup.

You can check out what our Global Headquarters looks like here:

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose‑led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well‑being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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