Vanguard is expanding its Private Markets Research team to deepen our understanding of private investments and their role in portfolio construction. As a Senior Investment Researcher, you will conduct original research across private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure, helping to shape investment insights, portfolio strategies, and thought leadership that support better outcomes for investors.
This role:
Conducts original quantitative and qualitative research on private markets, portfolio construction, and investment strategy. Develops independent insights and recommendations that inform Vanguard’s investment philosophy and product development.
Designs and implements analytical models, research tools, and reproducible code using programming languages (e.g., Python, R, or similar) to analyze complex datasets, automate research workflows, and support investment decision-making.
Leads research projects related to private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, and portfolio implementation. Identifies important research questions, evaluates evidence critically, and develops innovative solutions to investment challenges.
Prepares research papers, presentations, and statistical analyses for senior management, clients, industry audiences, and external publication. Communicates complex investment concepts clearly and objectively.
Contributes to the development, validation, and enhancement of Vanguard’s investment methodologies, including portfolio construction, asset allocation, capital market assumptions, liquidity analysis, and risk measurement.
Serves as a subject matter expert on private market portfolio research, collaborating across investment, product, and client-facing teams, while mentoring junior researchers and contributing to Vanguard’s thought leadership.
What it takes:
Five to seven years of experience in investment research, asset management, quantitative analysis, portfolio construction, or related investment-focused roles.
Exposure to private markets through research, investment analysis, manager due diligence, portfolio construction, or investment strategy work. Direct private markets experience of one to two years is preferred but not required.
Knowledge of private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, or other alternative asset classes, with the ability to apply private markets insights within a broader investment context.
Demonstrated expertise in quantitative analysis, econometrics, statistics, and financial modeling.
Proficiency in Python, R, or comparable programming languages for data analysis, model development, and research automation.
Proven ability to independently originate research ideas, solve complex investment problems, and communicate findings effectively.
Undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field required. Graduate degree and/or CFA designation preferred.
This role follows Vanguard's hybrid work model, with in-office collaboration required Tuesday through Thursday in Malvern, PA. Remote work is available on Mondays and Fridays.
Relocation assistance is available.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
Skills Required
- 5-7 years of experience in investment research, asset management, quantitative analysis, portfolio construction, or related investment-focused roles.
- Exposure to private markets through research, investment analysis, manager due diligence, portfolio construction, or investment strategy work.
- Direct private markets experience of 1-2 years.
- Knowledge of private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, or other alternative asset classes.
- Demonstrated expertise in quantitative analysis, econometrics, statistics, and financial modeling.
- Proficiency in Python, R, or comparable programming languages for data analysis, model development, and research automation.
- Proven ability to independently originate research ideas, solve complex investment problems, and communicate findings effectively.
- Undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
- Graduate degree and/or CFA designation.
Vanguard Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vanguard and has not been reviewed or approved by Vanguard.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support appears unusually strong through a 401(k) design that includes a match plus an additional employer contribution, which can materially lift long-term total rewards. HSA seeding and an enhanced employer match further strengthen the savings-and-benefits value of the package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle support is reinforced by a sizable annual FlexFund stipend that can be applied across many day-to-day categories such as fitness, childcare, and other personal expenses. On-site or virtual clinics and fitness options add practical health and wellness convenience.
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Affordable Benefits — Healthcare and related benefits are positioned as comparatively affordable via heavily subsidized medical plans and broad coverage options. This affordability can offset moderate base pay for employees who place higher value on out-of-pocket cost reductions.
Vanguard Insights
What We Do
We are a community of 30 million who think – and feel – differently about investing. Together, we’re changing the way the world invests. Since our founding in 1975, helping our investors achieve their goals is our sole reason for existence. With no other parties to answer to and therefore no conflicting loyalties, we make every decision—like keeping investing costs as low as possible—with only your needs in mind. Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment companies, offering a large selection of high-quality low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, advice, and related services. Individual and institutional investors, financial professionals, and plan sponsors can benefit from the size, stability, and experience Vanguard offers. As of April 30, 2019, we managed more than $5.6 trillion in global assets. In addition, we have 189 funds in the United States and 225 funds in global markets. For Commenting Guidelines & Important information, visit here: http://vanguard.com/linkedin Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.
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