Research Director Jobs in Cambridge, MA

INTRODUCTION

The AI and Trading Analytics Researcher (Assistant Vice President) will be a member of the AI and Trading Analytics team within State Street Associates (SSA), the quantitative research division of State Street Markets. The team conducts quantitative research on financial markets, developing systematic trading models, alpha signals, and analytics that support Markets trading businesses (FX, Financing Solutions, etc.). They will also contribute to the development of an agentic AI platform, empowering trading and sales desks to derive insights more efficiently.

The AI and Trading Analytics team operates at the intersection of quantitative research, markets, and technology. Team members work in a hybrid model, spending part of the week embedded on the Markets trading floor at One Congress (OCB) in Boston and part of the week at SSA’s research offices in Cambridge. This structure enables close, continuous collaboration with traders while situating the work within a rigorous research environment.

State Street Associates provides the broader research platform in which the team operates. SSA is a long-standing partnership between State Street Markets and leading academics, focused on proprietary indicators and novel empirical methods. Within this context, the AI and Trading Analytics team collaborates closely with SSA researchers and academic partners, applying statistical and ML techniques to extend core research insights into systematic strategies and predictive signals for internal trading desks.

Working with senior researchers, traders, and technology partners, the AI and Trading Analytics Researcher contributes to end-to-end research, from idea generation and model development through validation and implementation. The role emphasizes robust, interpretable, and scalable approaches that bridge academic research, empirical market analysis, and real-world trading application.

WHY THIS ROLE IS IMPORTANT TO US

The team you will be joining is a part of State Street Markets. As a leading provider of trading and lending solutions to the world’s institutional investors, we deliver the industry’s most innovative platforms, financing and portfolio solutions. Our capabilities are backed by proprietary, high-value research, insights and indicators that power clients’ investment decisions, accelerate performance and help investors stay ahead of shifting markets. Across our comprehensive set of solutions – data-driven macro market intelligence that give an information advantage; client-first platforms and tools that redefine trading; financing solutions that streamline liquidity access; and portfolio solutions designed to help achieve peak performance – we deliver a breakthrough edge to drive business success.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a AI and Trading Analytics Researcher, AVP you will:

Key Responsibilities

• Design and test quantitative models, trading analytics, and alpha signals to address specific Markets business needs.
• Work closely with SSA research experts and academic collaborators to incorporate advanced research ideas into practical internal trading analytics and models.
• Apply statistical methods and ML to extract insights from large financial datasets and proprietary SSA research indicators.
• Develop research code, AI-based analytical tools, and model specifications in Python, Matlab, SQL, supporting implementation and reuse.
• Collaborate directly with traders and subject matter experts while embedded on the trading floor to prototype ideas and refine models.
• Translate research findings into internal tools, systematic indicators, and client-facing materials.
• Communicate results clearly through written analysis and presentations for internal and external audiences.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree and/or proven experience in a quantitative field such as finance, economics, mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years’ work experience in investment management, investment research, data science, or a similar field involving quantitative techniques for data and analysis.
• Strong familiarity with theoretical and practical concepts in data analytics for investing, statistical analysis, time series forecasting, classical statistics, and machine learning / AI.
• Strong familiarity with concepts in investment management, asset allocation, risk management, and investment strategy design.
• Highly proficient coding skills (Python preferred) and attention to detail.
• Highly effective communication skills and ability to collaborate successfully.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with exceptional quantitative skills and a desire to develop and implement new research ideas in a practical setting.

ABOUT STATE STREET

What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation, we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.

Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary by location, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans, among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Programs to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.

Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift programs and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.

State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

SALARY RANGE:

$175,000 - $175,000 Annual

The range quoted above applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location above, the applicable range could differ.

Employees are eligible to participate in State Street’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes: our retirement savings plan (401K) with company match; insurance coverage including basic life, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and other optional additional coverages; paid-time off including vacation, sick leave, short term disability, and family care responsibilities; access to our Employee Assistance Program; incentive compensation including eligibility for annual performance-based awards (excluding certain sales roles subject to sales incentive plans); and, eligibility for certain tax advantaged savings plans.

For a full overview, visit StateStreet.com/career.

JOB APPLICATION DISCLOSURE:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.