Quantitative Researcher – Trading Research

About this role

BlackRock Global Markets (BGM) brings together BlackRock’s global trading, financing and financial resource management, securities lending, ETF markets, cash management, and index investments businesses to deliver investment, trading, financing, and risk management excellence for clients. Trading Research is a team within the Global Trading group which conducts cutting edge market microstructure research, performs pre- and post-trade analysis and provides analytics for its stakeholders. In this function Trading Research cuts across the regions and asset classes. It partners with Trading Data, Analytics, Trading Desks as well as the active and passive investment teams to deliver best execution and superior investment performance.

The Trading Research team is seeking to hire a Quantitative Researcher. We are a small, close-knit team with a collegiate culture that values openness, creativity and attention to detail. The role involves working closely with the other team members to conduct market microstructure research projects, contribute to the team’s research agenda and enhance the quality of its analytics. The successful candidate will possess strong data science and research skills, deep knowledge of market microstructure and a willingness to apply their skills in a financial markets and trading context. The role offers excellent opportunities to build knowledge of trading market structure across asset classes and collaborate with researchers, traders and portfolio managers from fundamental, model-based and passive investment teams.

Responsibilities:

• Perform data analysis, design and execute research projects, and build research models using various types of financial data
• Apply both traditional econometrics tools and machine learning techniques to solve real world problems in trading
• Acquire domain expertise in market microstructure and execution research for selected asset classes
• Recalibrate, maintain and improve the current suite of models and automated trading processes
• Work on execution strategy optimization, venue and algo optimal selection, intraday liquidity modelling and research based trading work flow automation
• Stay informed of market developments to adapt our analytics framework and trading models
• Build close ties with the trading data, analytics and research teams and trading desks globally

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a subject with quantitative content (PhD preferable)
• Related experience in trading research or execution consulting for financial service firms (4+ years) and exceptional hands-on research ability
• Expertise in market microstructure for at least one asset class (e.g., equities, FX, credit or rates) and familiarity with market microstructure literatures
• High motivation and willingness to acquire new skills on the job
• Excellent communication skills and professional and respectful work ethics
• Effective team player who works independently and confidently engages with trading and investment teams
• Strong coding skills, ideally some Unix experience and proficiency in a programming language or statistical application like Python or R 

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.