Go looking for change
We are looking for driven and avidly inquisitive individuals with a research scientist mindset, ready to challenge ideas and push through new solutions. You’ll be embedded into one of the Systematic Investment teams where, from day one, you’ll actively contribute to the development of our quantitative strategies.
The programme has two tracks, reflecting the two disciplines at the heart of systematic investing:
Quantitative Research
Develop and refine the signals and models behind our systematic strategies. If your instinct is to investigate, hypothesise, and test — this track is for you.
Quantitative Implementation
Build the production systems that bring quantitative strategies to life. If you want to engineer high-performance, scalable solutions for systematic trading — this track is for you.
About the programme
This is a position designed for high-calibre, highly numerate individuals within our quantitative teams. We value free thinkers, and we have created a fast-paced and meritocratic environment where you will be encouraged to apply your own initiative and challenge conventional wisdom.
You will be delivering on the research agenda, backtesting and researching forecasts of asset returns on horizons of hours to years. We all share a tireless drive for innovation, and participants tend to be among the top students at their university. Previous associates are now involved in creating and optimising our signature systematic trading models at one of Europe’s largest hedge funds.
As a member of our Quantitative Associate Programme, you will be part of a select cohort receiving on-the-job training from experienced colleagues who have a record of helping high-performing individuals reach their true potential.
Programme Benefits
Alongside Marshall Wace’s employee benefits programme, Quantitative Associates will experience:
Collaborative, open working environment — with a significant common codebase shared across quant teams
Diverse project exposure — the opportunity to work on a wide range of problems and develop your own research interests and ideas
In-house knowledge sharing — including a fortnightly internal talk series, support for additional learning opportunities, and an individual allowance for external courses and training
Structured support — regular internal talks, mentoring, and a development programme aimed at giving you the best start
Cutting-edge technology — access to advanced computing resources and highly skilled support teams, providing an extensive toolkit whether your focus is alpha research, portfolio construction, or production systems
Who we’re looking for
Academic achievement — PhD or Master’s degree as a minimum. We also encourage applications from candidates with 2–3 years of relevant industry experience
Strong numeracy — we are flexible on degree discipline, but we expect candidates to be highly numerate
Critical thinking — our associates need to think critically about a range of strategic issues impacting our business
“Shoot for the moon” ambition — we want people who think differently, love devising strategies, and are focused on optimal outcomes
Innovation and tenacity — bring fresh thinking at all levels and never settle for the status quo
Agile minds — proven ability to move seamlessly between projects, often working on multiple and diverse tasks at the same time
Team player — work effectively in a team, helping the group deliver efficient and superior solutions
Programme structure
Location: London
Tracks: Quantitative Research and Quantitative Implementation
Development: fortnightly internal talks, mentoring, structured personal development programme
Environment: collaborative, shared codebase, meritocratic