Lead Quantitative Researcher - Portfolio Optimization


New York
Permanent
USD200000 - USD300000
Quantitative Analytics Research and Trading
PR/551564_1756130013
Lead Quantitative Researcher - Portfolio Optimization
Position Title: Lead Quantitative Researcher - Portfolio Optimization
Location: New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco
A global asset manager with multi-trillion dollars in AUM is seeking a senior quantitative researcher to lead its portfolio optimization research efforts. This role sits within a centralized, collaborative team of 40 researchers dedicated to advancing the firm's long-term investment strategies across asset classes.
You will be responsible for developing and scaling systematic portfolio construction methodologies that integrate seamlessly with the firm's fundamental, research-driven investment approach. This is a high-impact role that blends deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead Optimization Research: Design and implement advanced optimization models, including convex, non-linear, and integer programming, to support portfolio construction and capital allocation.
  • Develop Systematic Strategies: Leverage your expertise in portfolio analysis and trading strategies to build scalable, rules-based frameworks for portfolio replication and optimization.
  • Bridge Theory and Practice: Apply quantitative frameworks to real-world investment challenges, aligning model-driven insights with the firm's fundamental research process.
  • Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with investment professionals, governance bodies, and technology partners to embed optimization tools into the investment lifecycle.
  • Drive Innovation: Explore new research directions, contribute to strategic initiatives, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Educate and Influence: Represent the firm's optimization capabilities internally and externally, translating complex technical concepts into actionable insights.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
  • PhD in Operations Research strongly preferred; alternatively, a PhD in a quantitative field (e.g., Financial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science) with demonstrated expertise in optimization.
  • 10+ years of experience in portfolio optimization, systematic portfolio construction, or related quantitative research roles.
  • Deep knowledge of optimization techniques and their application to long-only investment strategies, including awareness of implementation trade-offs and constraints.
  • Proficient in optimization programming tools such as CPLEX, MUREX, and GUROBI, as well as statistical and coding languages like Python, R, or MATLAB.
  • Familiarity with fundamental equity research, econometrics, and modern financial theory, including asset pricing, portfolio theory, factor models, and machine learning.
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex research into practical, scalable solutions.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of influencing both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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