Senior Quantitative Researcher, Retirement

The Group:
The Morningstar Center for Retirement & Policy Studies develops thought leadership on retirement issues, including studying workplace retirement plans and the people saving for retirement or drawing down assets. The group also works on policy activities that support investor interests, and monitors changes in legislation and regulation that affect our business. The Center is a semi-autonomous research group within Morningstar’s retirement division, which offers a diverse suite of technology- and investment-based services for the retirement industry.

Its unique client base includes retirement plan providers, plan sponsors, plan consultants, and retirement plan advisors.

The Center is seeking a Senior Quantitative Researcher, Retirement, to conduct empirical research on workplace retirement plan and participant-level data, with a particular focus on econometric analysis, and to contribute to simulation-based research. This person will develop Morningstar white papers and issue briefs, brief internal stakeholders and clients, present findings to industry and policy audiences, and help support client requests for plan analysis reports.

This role is primarily focused on academic-style research, with a secondary but ongoing responsibility to apply that work in support of Morningstar's retirement products and clients. This is a fully on-site position (ideally in our Chicago headquarters or one of Morningstar’s satellite offices), reporting to the director of the Center.

Lead assigned original research projects from concept through analysis, interpretation, and publication, working with senior Center researchers on research priorities and broader program development. Conduct empirical research using workplace retirement plan, participant-level, administrative, and household survey data, with particular responsibility for econometric analysis and the development of behavioral assumptions used in the Center's simulation research. Use government survey data, including or comparable to the SCF and HRS, to support original research and modeling, including developing behavioral relationships and assumptions.

Translate complex quantitative research into clear, accessible articles, research publications, presentations, and other content for a broad audience. Present research and insights to internal and external audiences, including clients, industry groups, conferences, and other stakeholders. Develop subject-matter expertise across retirement, defined contribution plans, participant behavior, and related areas of retirement policy and research. Apply the Center's research and modeling capabilities to selected client-facing analyses, including Client Fitness Reports, when appropriate.

Contribute analysis to regulatory comment letters and other retirement policy initiatives. Collaborate with colleagues across Morningstar to connect rigorous retirement research with policy, product, and client applications.

6+ years of relevant experience conducting quantitative research in retirement, household finance, economics, public policy, employee benefits, or a related field. BA in in economics, finance, public policy, statistics, or related quantitative discipline, or equivalent applied research experience. Strong applied econometrics and research-design skills, including experience with observational data, longitudinal or panel analysis, survey weighting, missing-data methods, or related techniques. Ability to evaluate alternative methodologies, test assumptions and model specifications, and communicate the limitations of empirical findings.

Advanced proficiency in a statistical programming language such as Stata, R, or Python. Demonstrated ability to independently develop research questions, select appropriate analytical methods, interpret results, and produce high-quality research. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex statistical findings for technical and nontechnical audiences. Ability to work independently, exercise sound research judgment, and manage multiple projects and stakeholder relationships.