The Research department at Dimensional is integral both in the successful day-to-day functioning of the firm and in developing Dimensional’s long-term strategy. The team produces high-quality, thought-leadership research on investments and financial markets that is of interest to clients. The team also leads the development of the firm’s investment approach and the application of that approach through portfolio management and trading.
Our team is seeking an experienced PhD Researcher in Austin, Texas to help deliver these key services. Researchers are expected to produce high-quality, academically grounded research to support and enhance our investment strategies, improve our understanding of financial markets, and for client education. Research findings are shared through white papers and presentations at Dimensional seminars and conferences.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct rigorous empirical research related to portfolio structure and implementation, run historical simulations, perform regression, attribution and characteristics analysis, conduct econometric tests to evaluate the impact of different portfolio construction and implementation approaches on expected performance, costs, and diversification of our investment strategies.
Work closely with our investment and sales team to develop investment solutions that meet our clients’ needs, goals, and preferences in a reliable, cost effective, and transparent way.
Share our research findings through white papers and presentations at Dimensional seminars and conferences.
Participate in and contribute to internal research seminars.
Discuss Dimensional’s investment philosophy, process, and strategies with clients and prospects.
Review the latest advances in the academic work on asset pricing to support and enhance our investment strategies and for client education.
Qualifications:
PhD in a discipline such as finance, economics, actuarial mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or similar disciplines.
3-5 years of relevant industry experience and excellent knowledge in finance and accounting.
Ideal candidates will have extensive experience doing empirical research with large datasets, a strong background in econometrics and statistics, and strong programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, R, SQL, SAS, Matlab, C, C++, C#, Java, or Fortran.
Excellent ability to communicate financial and economic concepts, in both oral and written form to a variety of different audience types.
Researchers are responsible for independently completing research projects, from idea generation to paper publication or strategy implementation. Strong candidates will also have exceptional attention to detail, imagination, and creativity.
Dimensional offers a variety of programs to help take care of you, your family, and your career, including comprehensive benefits, educational initiatives, and special celebrations of our history, culture, and growth.
It is the policy of the Company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. The Company recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious practice, creed, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), caregiver status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, familial status, domestic partnership status, military or veteran status or service, unemployment status, citizenship status or alienage, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a victim of stalking, status as a victim of sex offenses, genetic information, political activities or recreational activities, arrest or conviction record, salary history, natural hairstyle or any other status protected by applicable law except as otherwise required or permitted by law or regulation applicable to the Company or its affiliates.
Skills Required
- PhD in finance, economics, actuarial mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or similar discipline
- 3-5 years of relevant industry experience and strong knowledge of finance and accounting
- Extensive experience doing empirical research with large datasets
- Strong background in econometrics and statistics
- Strong programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, R, SQL, SAS, Matlab, C, C++, C#, Java, or Fortran
- Excellent oral and written communication of financial and economic concepts to varied audiences
- Ability to independently complete research projects from idea generation to publication or strategy implementation
- Exceptional attention to detail, imagination, and creativity
Dimensional Fund Advisors Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Dimensional Fund Advisors and has not been reviewed or approved by Dimensional Fund Advisors.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Work–life balance is portrayed as notably strong and is often framed as part of the total package. Feedback suggests lifestyle and culture help offset only average cash levels for many roles.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, mental‑health support, and HSA/FSA options. An on‑site clinic in Austin and wellness programs are cited as meaningful adds to the overall offering.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO and holidays are characterized as generous, with parental leave and adoption assistance highlighted as part of the package. Feedback suggests time‑off policies are a consistent bright spot across locations where available.
Dimensional Fund Advisors Insights
What We Do
Dimensional is a leading global investment firm that has been translating academic research into practical investment solutions since 1981. Guided by a strong belief in markets, we help investors pursue higher expected returns through a systematic investment process that integrates research insights with advanced portfolio design, management, and trading while balancing tradeoffs that can impact returns. Dimensional is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has 14 global offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. As of March 31, 2022, Dimensional manages $659 billion for investors worldwide.








