About this role
We are looking for an Associate, Quantitative Researcher to join our Systematic Active Equity team in London. You will help shape the next generation of alpha by conducting cutting-edge research across financial markets, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science and economics.
Innovation is at the heart of our investment process. Working alongside experienced quantitative researchers and portfolio managers, you will discover and develop novel sources of alpha, analyse large and complex datasets, and translate innovative research into live investment strategies managing significant institutional capital. Your work will span the full research lifecycle – from idea generation and hypothesis testing through to implementation and performance evaluation – with the opportunity to directly influence investment decisions across one of the industry's leading systematic investment platforms.
This is an exceptional opportunity for intellectually curious researchers who enjoy solving difficult problems, challenging conventional thinking, combining scientific methods with investment insight, and seeing their ideas deployed in live portfolios with real-world impact.
About BlackRock Systematic
BlackRock is one of the world's leading asset managers, helping institutions, financial professionals and individuals navigate increasingly complex global markets.
Within BlackRock Systematic (BSYS), finance meets technology, markets meet data science, and investment ideas are transformed into scalable, systematic strategies. With research hubs across London, New York and San Francisco, we bring together experts in investing, statistics, computer science, engineering and artificial intelligence to tackle some of the most challenging problems in quantitative investing.
As part of BSYS, Systematic Active Equity (SAE) manages more than $350 billion across hedge funds, long-only strategies and outcome-oriented investment solutions. For more than 40 years, SAE has been a pioneer in quantitative investing, delivering innovative investment solutions to pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, central banks and other institutional investors worldwide.
Our success is built on a culture of continuous innovation, rigorous scientific research and collaboration. We believe the next generation of alpha will be discovered through data, technology and creative thinking. Researchers are encouraged to challenge established approaches, experiment with new ideas, and explore emerging machine learning and AI techniques where they can enhance the investment process and create value for clients. Our open and collaborative environment provides exceptional opportunities to learn from experienced investors, develop your research capabilities and make a meaningful impact from day one.
What You'll Do
Discover and develop novel sources of alpha using traditional and alternative datasets.
Apply statistical, econometric, machine learning and AI techniques to identify new investment opportunities.
Explore emerging machine learning and AI methodologies, evaluating and applying innovative techniques that can improve the investment process.
Conduct rigorous empirical research, simulation and backtesting to validate investment hypotheses.
Build robust research pipelines and scalable analytical tools to accelerate research and production deployment.
Partner with researchers, portfolio managers and engineers to implement successful ideas into live investment strategies.
Continuously challenge existing approaches, drive innovation across the research platform and contribute new ideas that enhance investment performance.
Present research findings and contribute to the evolution of our investment process.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for researchers who are excited by solving difficult problems, experimenting with large and complex datasets, and pushing the boundaries of systematic investing. Beyond strong technical skills, you bring investment curiosity and financial intuition – thinking critically about why an alpha idea should work, the economic or behavioural mechanisms that underpin it, and the conditions under which it is likely to persist.
You enjoy working in collaborative teams where ideas are openly shared, debated and tested. You're naturally curious, motivated by innovation, and excited to explore new technologies and research methodologies that can improve investment outcomes. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to develop your research skills, broaden your investment expertise and make a meaningful contribution to one of the industry's leading systematic investment platforms.
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.
Guidance on AI use for candidates
At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self.
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.
To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com. We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.
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.
BlackRock Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — The package includes a 401(k)/Retirement Savings Plan with an employer match plus an additional company retirement contribution. Together with an employee stock purchase option, this positions retirement support as a notable strength for U.S. roles.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave and family‑building resources (adoption, fertility, nursing support) are emphasized, alongside child, special‑needs, and elder‑care resources. This breadth signals meaningful support across diverse family situations.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible Time Off (FTO) for eligible roles is promoted, with additional sick and bereavement leave. Time away is framed as enabling rest and recharge when needed.
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What We Do
As the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock partners with investors around the globe to help them (and those on whose behalf they invest) plan for life’s most important goals – like retirement, home ownership and their children’s education. Our clients range from governments, foundations and other large institutions to those investing on behalf of individuals, including firefighters, nurses, teachers and factory workers. BlackRock was founded with the idea of creating a better asset management firm — one that was purpose-driven, focused on clients and risk management, and propelled by data and technology. Our breakthrough Aladdin® platform is BlackRock’s technological backbone, helping investors see and manage their whole portfolios in one place – from constructing investments to monitoring risk and executing trades. Used by hundreds of external institutions around the world, Aladdin combines powerful analytics and a common language to help investment teams make faster, more informed decisions across public and private markets. It’s a key part of our business and one of the reasons we’re trusted to manage more assets than any other investment manager today. At BlackRock, we challenge conventions and raise the bar for what’s possible. We harness technology to unlock new solutions, simplify complexity, and deliver investment strategies that meet people where they are. Whether it’s retirement planning, wealth building or navigating market shifts, we’re here to help clients invest more easily, more affordably and with more choice as we chart a path toward financial well-being together. Learn more: Careers.BlackRock.com
Why Work With Us
Without our people, technology is irrelevant. When we combine the power of people with the power of technology, we amplify our ability to create better outcomes for our employees, clients, shareholders and society alike.
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