Senior Quantitative Research Associate - Asset Allocation

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

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