Manager of Quantitative Research

The Group

Morningstar’s Analytics group creates data-driven analytics designed to help investors and Morningstar achieve better outcomes by making better decisions. We utilize statistical rigor and large data sets to inform the methodologies we develop. Our research encompasses hundreds of thousands of securities within a large breadth of asset classes including equities, fixed income, structured credit, and funds. Morningstar is one of the largest independent sources of fund, equity, and credit data and research in the world, and our advocacy for investors’ interests is the foundation of our company.

The Role

As an Quantitative Research Manager, you will lead multiple high-profile investment research projects, primarily focused on our portfolio analytics, including both managed investment and client portfolios. managed products, equities, fixed-income. You will be expected to keep pace with trends in financial research and data science industries.

As a manager and mentor, you will be expected to adopt an "iron sharpens iron" attitude where the focus is on making everyone better. Not focusing on your colleagues shortcomings but recognizing their strengths. Respect is foundational. We want to pull people up and not push them down.

A successful candidate will have impeccable interpersonal and communications skills, a solid quantitative mindset, a strong understanding of finance, and a deep knowledge of the global investing landscape though with an emphasis on the US market.

This position is based in our Chicago office.

Responsibilities

• People Management – you will manage a team of researchers. Mentoring the people below you by developing their skills and positioning them for success is critical.
• Conduct R&D efforts across a variety of domains – including but not limited to managed products, fixed income, equities, and portfolios.
• Keep pace with trends in financial industry, as well as Data Science and Financial Research industries. Can apply data science techniques to relevant and meaningful financial industry client needs. When making decisions, considers the impact a solution will have on both a global and local level.
• Project Management – utilize and advocate for Agile project management practices to track projects, coordinate with internal groups, and resolve conflicts.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in quantitative or financial discipline (Masters or higher is desirable)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in software engineering or finance
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient in at least one statistical modeling language (R or Python)
• Proficient with SQL
• Proficient with Agile software engineering practices
• Experience with Morningstar’s mutual fund, fixed income, and equity databases
• Ability to stay organized and to quickly and efficiently handle multiple projects at the same time is crucial in this role
• Intellectual curiosity for the world of quantitative research Ability to create and promote a culture of technology excellence and innovation.
• Experience with Python, AWS and various data storage, big data technology and streaming data processing.
• Creative thinker with the ability to solve problems.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide-range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

Financial Health

• 75% 401k match up to 7%
• Stock Ownership Potential
• Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

Physical Health

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
• Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
• Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

Emotional Health

• Trust-Based Time Off
• 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
• 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
• Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Bonding Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
• Annual Education Stipend
• Tuition Reimbursement

Social Health

• Charitable Matching Gifts program
• Dollars for Doers volunteer program
• Paid volunteering days
• 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range

$143,250.00 - 257,850.00 USD Annual

Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you’ll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity

How to Apply for a Job at Morningstar

Step 1

When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please fill out this form completely, attaching your resume and cover letter in the approved format. Read the job requirements carefully and make sure to attach writing or design samples as required. Applicants must submit their resume and other information through our corporate website to be considered for a job at Morningstar. No phone calls, please.

Step 2

You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application.

Step 3

If you are called in for an interview, a representative from Morningstar will contact you to set up a date, time, and location. Be prepared for a rigorous interview process. To make sure you're a good fit for Morningstar and we're a good fit for you, we'll schedule time for you to meet with multiple staff members at all levels of the company. Expect to return for multiple interviews as part of the process. A representative from Morningstar will contact you with the results of your interview—either with a job offer or to let you know our plans for the position.

Applicants With Disabilities Who Need Accommodation

Morningstar is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call +1 312 384-3900 or email AskHR@morningstar.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Please note:

• We only accept calls from applicants who need accommodation related to a disability. Please, no calls with unrelated questions or requests.
• Please be sure to include the title and location of the open position you’re interested in when you leave a message.

US Applicants: Morningstar is an E-Verify program participant.

Learn more:

• This Organization Participates in E-Verify (English)
• This Organization Participates in E-Verify (Spanish)
• Right to Work (English)
• Right to Work (Spanish)
• EEO is the Law
• Pay Transparency Notice

Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.