Senior Financial Economist

About the Role

The Investment Strategy Group is seeking a Senior Financial Economist to lead the research and development of a system of quantitative forecasting models that integrate cyclical and structural macro‑economic research with capital market return drivers in support of systematic portfolio strategy and expression of economic and market views over multiple time horizons. The financial economist will ideate and autonomously lead research that enhances forecasting and economic and market outlook methodologies while serving as a subject matter expert ambassador to supported investment and business groups.

The ideal candidate for this position will bring a strong research background demonstrated over several years and have a graduate degree with specialization in the areas of Quantitative finance, Data Science, or time‑series econometrics and programming knowledge of Matlab, Python, or other statistical software packages.

• Performs complex quantitative and qualitative analysis and offers opinions and recommendations related to quantitative modeling, capital markets, and portfolio construction.
• Prepares high impact research reports, presentations, statistical analyses, and investment commentaries as needed for internal and external stakeholders.
• Initiates research projects that enhance Vanguard’s external position as an investment leader in the industry.
• Serves as an investment strategy internal authority. Meets with senior leaders to determine requirements for research requests. Supports ad‑hoc research projects, builds research inventory for internal use, and may schedule ongoing research and delivery of content for internal cross‑divisional team usage.
• Represents the firm’s macroeconomic and market perspective in client meetings, conferences, and media engagements.
• Provides guidance to investment analysts within the team on research, methodology, or overall context regarding analyses.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s level degree in quantitative finance, data science, time series econometrics, empirical finance, or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Ph.D. level training is a plus.
• 8+ years related work experience, conducting research in relevant settings such as buy‑side investment firms, sell‑side research department, central bank, or think tank.
• Strong technical and programming skills, including statistical, econometric, and machine learning techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex economic and investment ideas to investment professionals and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to apply original research and learnings from literature to real‑world settings (i.e., investment decisions).

This role is part of our hybrid work model with Tuesdays – Thursdays required in our offices to foster collaboration and relationships. On Mondays and Fridays, our crew will have the option to work remotely, or continue working from our offices in Malvern PA. Relocation assistance to the Malvern PA area is available for this role.

Sponsorship:
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.