2025 PhD Research Full-Time Associate

AQR Capital Management

AQR is a global investment firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver concrete, long-term results by looking past market noise to identify and isolate the factors that matter most, and by developing ideas that stand up to rigorous testing. By putting theory into practice, we have become a leader in alternative strategies and an innovator in traditional portfolio management since 1998.

At AQR, our employees share a common spirit of academic excellence, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to seeking the truth. We’re determined to know what makes financial markets tick – and we’ll ask every question and challenge every assumption.  We recognize and respect the power of collaboration and believe transparency and openness to new ideas leads to innovation.

Your Role

AQR is seeking Research Associates to join our team of investment professionals and focus on portfolio management and research related to stock selection and macro trading strategies. Candidates should be motivated and enthusiastic about implementing new ideas and are expected to be hands-on and self-sufficient in conducting all aspects of research projects. The role will involve collaboration with other researchers, portfolio managers, risk managers and traders to develop new and improve current investment strategies. Your responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Perform statistical and economic research using financial data to develop new, and improve current investment strategies in collaboration with existing research teams
• Conduct research on various aspects of the implementation of investment strategies such as trading cost models, risk models, optimization, and portfolio construction
• Add features to proprietary research system to implement new research ideas
• Participate in the design and development of research infrastructure for the purpose of conducting economic and statistical research

What You’ll Bring

• December 2024 or Spring 2025 PhD candidate from top program with degree in finance, economics, or a quantitative discipline (Operations Research, Applied Math, Statistics, etc.)
• Demonstrated interest in the financial industry with a strong understanding of global financial markets and economic fundamentals
• Experience conducting empirical research, including the cleaning, structuring, and analyzing of large data sets
• Strong background in econometrics or statistics
• Coding experience in Python, R, C++, or Matlab
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work both individually and in a team setting
• Strong presentation skills and ability to discuss and explain involved concepts in both verbal and written form

AQR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  EEO/VET/DISABILITY