Associate, Quantitative Research

About Us

IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities. 

Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. We believe healthy returns depend on healthy economic, environmental and social systems - and these are evolving on a scale never experienced before. To find opportunity, build value and meet the needs of future generations, you need scale, skill and expertise. That’s what IFM Investors has built up over 30 years.

With assets under management of approximately $291.1 AUD billion (at 30 June 2026), we prioritise the interests of over 883 institutional investors worldwide. IFM operates from 17 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.

For more information, visit ifminvestors.com.

The Opportunity

At IFM, you’re not just part of an investment company – but an invested one. We see the work we do as the chance to take sustainable, responsible steps forward for millions of people around the world.

So, we have made sure to create a workplace that’s inclusive, accountable and collaborative. Where you’re given the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution and grow your skills. All while feeling valued and supported for who you are and what you bring to the team.

Along with the chance to make a meaningful, positive difference from day one, we offer a competitive salary and generous leave entitlements. Our hybrid and flexible approach can vary by team and role, it is built around trust. We encourage our people to manage their work life rhythm in a way that works best for them and their teams.

Business Overview

Indexed and active management of listed equities is a core capability for IFM. Our specialist teams offer passive and enhanced index strategies across Global and Australian indices, along with a range of ‘Smart Beta’ investment options. Our Active Equities teams invest across large and small cap markets in Australia.

The Role

Join our Quantitative Equities investment team where rigorous quantitative research directly informs portfolio strategies. Quantitative Equities is a core capability for IFM. Our specialist team offers a range of systematic strategies incorporating factor and sustainable investment strategies across Global and Australian markets.

You will originate and test systematic equity ideas, work closely with portfolio managers, and translate robust empirical analysis into investable insights, strategy improvements and repeatable research capabilities.

Key duties include:

• Originate, research and help implement systematic equity strategies, working directly with portfolio managers to convert investment hypotheses into practical strategies.

• Design rigorous empirical research, including literature review, data sourcing and preparation, signal development, back-testing, out-of-sample evaluation, robustness testing and interpretation of economic significance.

• Identify and address look-ahead bias, survivorship bias, data leakage, overfitting and other threats to research validity and reproducibility.

• Assess portfolio construction, risk, capacity, turnover, transaction costs and implementation constraints to determine whether research is genuinely investable.

• Work closely with portfolio managers on portfolio diagnostics, risk, implementation and trade analysis, with scope to take on broader portfolio responsibilities as experience develops.

• Build robust datasets, analytical tools and automated, repeatable research workflows using modern programming and data practices.

• Communicate complex research clearly through concise investment papers, presentations and discussions with investment, client and governance stakeholders.

• Collaborate effectively with researchers, portfolio managers, data and technology specialists, Sustainable Investment, Performance and Reporting, and other relevant teams.

  
  

Your Background and Experience

• Exceptional analytical ability, intellectual curiosity and a demonstrated capacity to solve difficult, unstructured problems.

• A strong academic record in a quantitatively demanding discipline such as mathematics, statistics, econometrics, computer science, engineering, physics, finance or economics.

• Strong knowledge of statistics, econometrics and empirical research methods, together with the judgement to distinguish statistical results from durable investment insights.

• Advanced programming and database skills, particularly Python and SQL, and experience building reliable, well-documented and reproducible analytical workflows.

• A sound understanding of securities markets, quantitative equity investing, portfolio construction, risk management and practical implementation constraints.

• Proven ability to develop hypotheses, assemble and interrogate complex datasets, validate results critically and translate research into actionable investment recommendations.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex analysis to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Independent thinking, healthy scepticism, attention to detail and the confidence to challenge assumptions constructively.

• A collaborative, low-ego approach and a strong commitment to research integrity and high professional standards.

Highly Regarded

• A master’s degree or PhD in a highly quantitative field, or another relevant postgraduate qualification.

• Experience in systematic equities, quantitative research, portfolio analytics, portfolio construction, risk analysis or implementation research.

• Experience working with large, complex or alternative datasets and modern statistical or machine-learning techniques.

• Relevant investment-industry qualifications, including the CFA designation.

Ready to invest in what matters? 

With IFM, that includes your own career. Visit ifminvestors.com/careers to find out more.

IFM Investors is committed to promoting an inclusive culture where all employees are valued and recognised for their unique qualities, backgrounds, and perspectives. We champion all groups regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or family status. We are committed to providing individuals with disabilities reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you require specific support at any stage of the recruitment process at [email protected]