MSCI - Index Research Role - New Product Development

Your Team responsibilities :

The MSCI Index Research New Product Development (NPD) Team is a global client-centric research group with a broad mandate to carry out analytical research to enhance existing MSCI indexes and develop new index methodologies. This responsibility spans all MSCI Factor, Thematic, Cap-weighted and ESG Indexes in different asset classes - equity, fixed income, private assets. The team is currently based in London, Mumbai, Monterrey and Manila. The NPD is one part of the global Index Solutions research team.

The Index Research NPD 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) and across the firm (data, technology, product, coverage) to implement the NPD index research agenda and benefit from the substantial resources and expertise available within the global MSCI organization.

What we will offer you : 

Depending on your location of your role, you can expect :

- Competitive fixed and variable compensation, holiday/vacation allowance & retirement savings plans/pensions

- Employee Resource Groups to support you in and out of the office

- A wide range of benefits including - healthcare, dental plans, risk insurances and (location dependent) - cycletowork schemes, gym benefits, retail discounts,

- A purposeful approach to Wellbeing including training, support networks, membership to wellness platforms and vendors, and active local office communities

- A specific and deliberate planning to the physical offices in which we work, and support for everyone spending periods of time working remotely or at home. This approach mirrors our commitment to transparency and sustainability and puts the safety and wellness of our employees at the center of all we do. We aim to provide productive and sustainable work environments and technology that encourages collaboration, creativity and innovation.

Your key responsibilities :

The successful candidate will be a member of the team based in Mumbai and be expected to take on new index research projects and contribute to their success from initial concept through research, development, consultation and production implementation. The candidate :

- Will carry out extensive back testing, research and analysis of investment strategies using historical market data, factor models, ESG & climate risk characteristics and portfolio construction tools to build new indexes and generate investment insights.

- Will work on ESG and climate index research projects and conduct in-depth research and analysis working closely with the MSCI ESG Research team and thereby generate investment ideas for investment strategies.

- Will work with other members of the global MSCI research teams to write research papers and blogs on ESG and climate investment strategies and

- The candidate will also work closely with clients to refine new index ideas, so they meet the clients- investment challenges.

Your skills and experience that will help you excel :

- Understanding of investment process in different asset classes (e.g. equity, fixed income, currency etc.), investment styles such as factor investing, ESG-based investments and climate risk driven investing etc.

- Familiarity with quantitative investment approaches such as portfolio optimization, long/short, leveraged positions etc. is a plus.

- Highly developed hands-on analytical and quantitative skills (e.g., time series and cross-sectional analysis) and extensive recent practical experience with statistical and database packages (preferably Python, SQL, MATLAB)

- Familiarity with institutional investment practices, buyside portfolio management concepts or sell side quantitative structured products preferred

- Familiarity with investment research, data vendors such as Refinitiv and FactSet as well as providers of alternative data; and risk and portfolio management systems

- Experience of writing technical and research reports as well as good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills

- At least 5 years of relevant work experience e.g., quantitative research, investment management, portfolio analytics, ESG/climate research etc

- Bachelor- s/Master's Degree in finance, econometrics, science/engineering or another quantitative or analytical subject

How we'll support you :

- Coaching and support from experts in your team

- A performance and growth-oriented culture and values

- Opportunities for continuous learning to aid progression

- Goal based objectives and development plans

- Transparent performance-based compensation schemes

- Employee resource groups such as the Women's Leadership Forum, MSCIPRIDE, Black Leadership Network and Eco-Groups.

About MSCI and our teams :

MSCI is a market leader in Global Indexes, Smart Beta, ESG and Risk Management, and is at the forefront of the secular trends dominating the financial services landscape today. We are committed to the future sustainability and transparency of the financial markets. We create innovative products and services that allow our clients to make more informed investment decisions, and we provide investors with critical performance measurement and risk management data and analytics. Click here to see what we do (link to MSCI brochure)

Our values define the working environment we strive to create. We are inclusive, we champion bold ideas, we always pursue excellence, and always act with integrity. Personal accountability and responsibility are key to success, and we always work as a team to remain client centric.

MSCI is committed to developing a culture and workforce that reflects the clients and communities in which we operate. Increasing our diversity expands our talent pool which helps to accelerate innovation in all we do. We especially encourage members of historically underrepresented groups to apply, including women, ethnic minorities and those in the LGBTQ community.

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversifying its workforce. It is the policy of the Firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy/maternity leave), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.