Senior Investment Researcher, Multi-Asset

056 Northern Trust Investments Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking an experienced investment researcher to lead cross-asset research, develop quantitative models, and guide portfolio decisions. The role focuses on asset allocation, risk management, and innovative research methodologies in a global context.

The candidate will work with portfolio managers, strategists, and senior leadership to influence investment outcomes and deliver rigorous insights across public and private markets.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in investment research or related fields.
• Experience leading and mentoring investment researchers or analysts is a plus.
• Proficiency with Python/SQL and modern data platforms (Azure, Snowflake, Databricks).
• Experience applying quantitative methods, ML, or AI to investment research.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on asset allocation, portfolio construction, risk management, and investment strategy.
• Develop signals, forecasting models, and analytical frameworks for portfolio decisions.
• Analyze global economic, market, policy, and valuation trends for opportunities and risks.
• Back-test asset allocation ideas and evaluate manager strategies and outcomes.
• Apply quantitative techniques and ML to improve research and decision-making.
• Present findings to committees, senior management, clients, and partners.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the team’s research agenda.

Skills

Python

SQL

Asset allocation

Portfolio management

Machine learning

Data analysis

Education

Advanced degree in Finance/Quantitative field

CFA or similar designation

Tools

Azure

Snowflake

Databricks

Job description

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Position Summary

Responsible for leading investment research across global asset classes to support asset allocation decisions, model portfolio management and institutional investment solutions. Develops innovative research frameworks, investment insights, and portfolio construction methodologies that directly influence investment decision‑making. Partners closely with portfolio managers, strategists, and senior leadership to identify opportunities, manage risks, and enhance investment outcomes for clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives on asset allocation, portfolio construction, risk management, and investment strategy across public and private markets.
• Develop and enhance investment signals, forecasting models, and analytical frameworks used in strategic and tactical portfolio decisions.
• Analyze global economic, market, policy, and valuation trends to identify investment opportunities and portfolio risks.
• Conduct empirical research and back‑testing to evaluate asset allocation ideas, factor exposures, manager strategies, and portfolio outcomes.
• Apply advanced quantitative techniques, data science, and machine learning tools to improve investment research and decision‑making.
• Partner with portfolio managers to evaluate portfolio positioning, performance drivers, risk exposures, and implementation considerations.
• Generate actionable investment recommendations supported by rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Produce thought leadership, market commentary, and research publications for internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Present research findings and investment views to investment committees, senior management, clients, consultants, and distribution partners.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the ongoing development of the team's research agenda, investment process, and analytical capabilities.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in investment research, asset allocation, multi-asset investing, portfolio management, or quantitative research.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring, and developing investment researchers, quantitative analysts, or related investment professionals is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of financial markets, investments, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and risk management.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and SQL, with experience working with large and complex datasets and modern data platforms (e.g., Azure, Snowflake, Databricks).
• Experience applying quantitative methods, statistical modeling, machine learning, or artificial intelligence to investment research.
• Demonstrated track record of conducting research that directly informs portfolio construction, investment decision‑making, and client outcomes.
• Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, Financial Engineering, Statistics, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field; CFA or similar designation preferred.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $239,900 - 419,700 USD Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay.

Benefits

Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well‑being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H‑1B, L‑1, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, F‑1, J‑1, OPT, CPT or any other employment‑based visa).

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve. Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

Terms and Conditions

Candidate Privacy Notice

California Applicant Privacy Notice

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (U.S) Transparency in Coverage Disclosure – North America Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center or call 1-800-807-0302 (North America), [phone] (Asia Pacific), 1800-425-0333 (India), [phone] (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

APAC/INDIA EEO STATEMENT It is the policy and practice of Northern Trust to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Northern Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age. All employment decisions will be made in a non‑discriminatory manner in accordance with our obligations under the law and codes of practice. This includes human resources’ decisions relating to recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, transfers, promotions and access to learning and development.

Canada EEO STATEMENT Northern Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring and other employment decisions at Northern Trust are made without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, ethnic origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, record of offences, marital status, family status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.

EMEA EEO STATEMENT It is the policy and practice of Northern Trust to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Northern Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age. All employment decisions will be made in a non‑discriminatory manner in accordance with our obligations under the law and codes of practice. This includes human resources’ decisions relating to recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, transfers, promotions and access to learning and development.

USA EEO STATEMENT It is the policy of The Northern Trust Company to afford equal opportunity in all phases of employment without regard to an individual's age, race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic tests and information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. EEO Know Your Rights (U.S).