Associate, Quantitative Researcher - Systematic Active Equity

About this role

We are looking for an Associate, Quantitative Researcher to join our Systematic Active Equity team in New York. You will help shape the next generation of alpha by conducting cutting-edge research across financial markets, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science and economics.  

Innovation is at the heart of our investment process. Working alongside experienced quantitative researchers and portfolio managers, you will discover and develop novel sources of alpha, analyse large and complex datasets, and translate innovative research into live investment strategies managing significant institutional capital. Your work will span the full research lifecycle – from idea generation and hypothesis testing through to implementation and performance evaluation – with the opportunity to directly influence investment decisions across one of the industry's leading systematic investment platforms.  

This is an exceptional opportunity for intellectually curious researchers who enjoy solving difficult problems, challenging conventional thinking, combining scientific methods with investment insight, and seeing their ideas deployed in live portfolios with real-world impact.  

About BlackRock Systematic  

BlackRock is one of the world's leading asset managers, helping institutions, financial professionals and individuals navigate increasingly complex global markets.  

Within BlackRock Systematic (BSYS), finance meets technology, markets meet data science, and investment ideas are transformed into scalable, systematic strategies. With research hubs across London, New York and San Francisco, we bring together experts in investing, statistics, computer science, engineering and artificial intelligence to tackle some of the most challenging problems in quantitative investing.  

As part of BSYS, Systematic Active Equity (SAE) manages more than $350 billion across hedge funds, long-only strategies and outcome-oriented investment solutions. For more than 40 years, SAE has been a pioneer in quantitative investing, delivering innovative investment solutions to pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, central banks and other institutional investors worldwide.  

Our success is built on a culture of continuous innovation, rigorous scientific research and collaboration. We believe the next generation of alpha will be discovered through data, technology and creative thinking. Researchers are encouraged to challenge established approaches, experiment with new ideas, and explore emerging machine learning and AI techniques where they can enhance the investment process and create value for clients. Our open and collaborative environment provides exceptional opportunities to learn from experienced investors, develop your research capabilities and make a meaningful impact from day one.  

What You'll Do  

• Discover and develop novel sources of alpha using traditional and alternative datasets.  

• Apply statistical, econometric, machine learning and AI techniques to identify new investment opportunities.  

• Explore emerging machine learning and AI methodologies, evaluating and applying innovative techniques that can improve the investment process.  

• Conduct rigorous empirical research, simulation and backtesting to validate investment hypotheses.  

• Build robust research pipelines and scalable analytical tools to accelerate research and production deployment.  

• Partner with researchers, portfolio managers and engineers to implement successful ideas into live investment strategies.  

• Continuously challenge existing approaches, drive innovation across the research platform and contribute new ideas that enhance investment performance.  

• Present research findings and contribute to the evolution of our investment process.  

Who We're Looking For  

We're looking for researchers who are excited by solving difficult problems, experimenting with large and complex datasets, and pushing the boundaries of systematic investing. Beyond strong technical skills, you bring investment curiosity and financial intuition – thinking critically about why an alpha idea should work, the economic or behavioural mechanisms that underpin it, and the conditions under which it is likely to persist.  

You enjoy working in collaborative teams where ideas are openly shared, debated and tested. You're naturally curious, motivated by innovation, and excited to explore new technologies and research methodologies that can improve investment outcomes. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to develop your research skills, broaden your investment expertise and make a meaningful contribution to one of the industry's leading systematic investment platforms.  

For New York, NY Only the salary range for this position is USD$132,500.00 - USD$162,000.00 . Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including healthcare, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance.

Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

Guidance on AI use for candidates

At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com. We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

BlackRock is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to all applicants and existing employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity/expression), sexual orientation, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religion, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. View the EEOC’s Know Your Rights poster and its supplement and the pay transparency statement.

 

BlackRock is committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals and to providing reasonable accommodations or job modifications for individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation/adjustments are needed throughout the employment process, please email [email protected]. All requests are treated in line with our privacy policy.

BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.