Equity Index Quant Research Analyst

Your Team Responsibilities

The MSCI Quantitative Index Research Solutions (QIRS) team is a global client-centric research group with a broad mandate to research and develop new index methodologies. New index methodologies include those designed for flagship MSCI products as well as for index solutions customized for client needs. This responsibility spans all MSCI Factor, Thematic, Market Access, Climate and ESG Indexes. The team is currently based in London, Mumbai, Monterrey, Mexico City, Toronto, Singapore, New York and Shanghai.

The QIRS group uses a range of analytical tools and methods to investigate new index ideas across asset classes, carry out research and simulations to turn these ideas into new methodologies, conduct client consultations, and launch new indexes through MSCI’s world class index production platform.

The group works closely with other groups within research (Analytics, ESG. Private Assets) and across the firm (data, technology, product, coverage) to implement the index research and development agenda and benefit from the substantial resources and expertise available within the global MSCI organization.

Your Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be based in Mumbai and will be expected to drive new index research projects from initial concept through research, development, consultation and successful and robust production implementation. The candidate will

• carry out extensive back testing, research and analysis of investment strategies using historical market data, factor models, thematic exposures, ESG & climate risk characteristics and portfolio construction tools to build new indexes and generate investment insights,
• work closely with clients to refine new index ideas, so they meet the clients’ investment challenges, whether for financial products or segregated mandates and
• work with other members of the global MSCI research teams to write research papers and blogs on thematic investment strategies and

Your skills and experience that will help you excel

• Understanding of the institutional investment process in different asset classes (e.g. equity, fixed income, currency etc.) as well as investment approaches including those based on factors, sustainable finance, climate and thematic investing
• Familiarity with quantitative investment approaches such as portfolio optimization, long/short, leveraged positions etc. is an advantage
• Highly developed hands-on analytical and quantitative skills (e.g., time series and cross-sectional analysis) and extensive practical experience with statistical and database packages (Python, SQL preferred)
• Detail-oriented, proactive self-starter who is able to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to work to tight deadlines with confidence to prioritize effectively as necessary
• Familiarity with investment research, data vendors such as Refinitiv and FactSet as well as providers of alternative data; and risk and portfolio management systems
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Around 1-2 years of relevant experience e.g., analytical research, investment management, portfolio strategy etc)
• Bachelor’s/Master's Degree in finance, econometrics, science/engineering or another quantitative or analytical subject; CFA, CAIA or FRM is an advantage