Head of Data Science Technology Solutions

At Franklin Templeton, the Head of Data Science will lead the development of a globally scalable, AI‑enabled data science capability within Investment Technology Solutions (ITS). The role is responsible for delivering advanced analytics and machine learning solutions that directly enhance investment outcomes across asset classes, bridging front‑office investment teams and enterprise technology. The position reports to the Head of ITS.

• Partner with CIOs, Portfolio Managers, and Research Heads to translate investment challenges into scalable analytical solutions.
• Develop and productionalize alpha signals, risk models, optimization engines, liquidity analytics, and scenario‑modelling capabilities.
• Ensure analytics are embedded within portfolio construction, trading, and risk systems such as Aladdin, Wall Street Office, and Axioma.
• Drive improvements in performance attribution, risk‑adjusted returns, drawdown management, and portfolio efficiency.
• Design and implement a cloud‑enabled data science platform supporting research environments, feature stores, reusable signal libraries, model development, testing frameworks, MLOps, and deployment pipelines.
• Align platform architecture with broader ITS data and infrastructure strategy, ensuring cross‑asset reuse, security, auditability, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with Risk, Finance, Operations, and Distribution teams to extend AI capabilities across investment technology priorities.
• Represent ITS Data Science in enterprise AI governance and model risk forums, promoting responsible AI principles such as explainability, transparency, and bias mitigation.
• Build and scale a high‑performing global data science organization embedded within ITS, creating a federated delivery model for regional teams.
• Define clear differentiation among quantitative research, data science, AI engineering, and ML platform engineering roles, and establish talent development pathways.
• Operate data science as a product capability, setting roadmaps, prioritization frameworks, adoption metrics, and performance KPIs for all deployed solutions.
• Implement robust model validation, monitoring, and lifecycle management processes, ensuring compliance with model risk management standards and regulatory expectations.

• 10+ years of experience in asset management, capital markets, or quantitative investment technology environments.
• Demonstrated leadership in building and scaling data science or quantitative analytics teams within a technology‑enabled operating model.
• Proven track record of delivering production‑grade AI/ML solutions embedded in investment platforms.
• Experience operating in regulated financial services environments.
• Deep understanding of multi‑asset portfolio construction and optimization, risk modelling, stress testing, market structure, liquidity dynamics, and execution considerations.
• CFA designation strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree (PhD/MSc) in quantitative finance, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related discipline desirable.

• Strong command of statistical modelling, machine learning, and time‑series analysis.
• Experience integrating alternative datasets into investment workflows.
• Familiarity with cloud‑native data architectures, distributed compute, and MLOps frameworks.
• Experience with enterprise investment platforms such as Aladdin, Wall Street Office, and Axioma.

• Technology‑forward leader with strong investment credibility.
• Product‑oriented, outcome‑driven, and comfortable operating in a global, matrixed ITS organization.
• Strong communicator capable of influencing senior investment and technology stakeholders.

Franklin Templeton offers competitive compensation, an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. Employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, disability benefits, an employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain educational expenses, various types of paid time off, and a motivational wellbeing program.

The annual salary range for this position is $208,000 – $270,000, depending on location and level of experience, plus discretionary bonus.

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, or any other basis protected by law.