Quantitative Research Developer

Job description

Role Title: Quantitative Research Developer

Business: Asset Management

New or Existing Role? Existing

Grade: GCB4

Role Purpose

· Contribute to quantitative development within the Global Investment Strategy team which is responsible for macro-economic and multi-asset research, and for developing the investment strategy that drives our global multi-asset investment process. Take lead role in the development of the team's in-house investment strategy application . Ensure t he analytical toolset and technology available to the team allows for streamlined work processes and enables it to contribute to accurate and informed decision making across asset management.

Key Accountabilities

Impact on Business

· Develop a good understanding of AMG's technology framework and processes
· Develop, maintain and evolve our front-office investment strategy application.
· Support the drive for innovation and participate in the research-driven and collaborative culture of the group
· Help to maintain existing quantitative models. And be active in the ongoing investment research work of the group (especially with a technology and coding focus)
· Work collaboratively with the other team members. Be philosophically aligned with our approach to investment markets and our approach to using technology in our investment process

Customers / Stakeholders

· Support the Asset Management business in their use of the application
· Work with the rest of investment strategy team in research projects (as the technology expert)

Leadership & Teamwork

· Be an excellent team player
· Work collaboratively and openly
· Use innovation and creative thinking

Operational Effectiveness & Control

· Be able to work independently and to take initiative
· Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
· Support the AMG business by constantly delivering innovation on Strategizer

Major Challenges

· A key part of the role is the continued development of our in-house investment strategy application . This is used across the business, and especially by the investments teams as a decision support tool. For this, the role holder will require a high level of knowledge in full-stack software development, specifically using C# and ASP.NET MVC, HTML and Javascript for web application development. They will also need to combine excellent development skills with a creative mindset and an artistic flair for UI/UX design. The role holder is expected to know and practice all standard software development practices (code versioning, documentation, Agile methodology, IT process flows in a corporate environment).
· The role holder must also be numerically minded and have strong maths/stats skills. Machine learning skills are a big advantage. They will at times be required to work with the rest of the multi-asset team on improving and streamlining the current investment models to optimise workflow. They must have some knowledge in the R language and know the process for financial model development (data gathering, data cleaning, backtesting, and implementation).
· Must be comfortable working in a collegiate and open environment, but one that also actively encourages debate and disagreement. The role holder must be willing and able to defend their development views but at the same time negotiate with the IT side of the business in getting their solution implemented. They must be passionate about software development and share the team vision.

Role Context

· Role is based in London in St James Street. This is an existing role.
· The role holder will lead the development and support of the Strategizer application and will support the rest of the Global Investment Strategy team in implementation and maintenance of technology solutions
· The candidate will need to fit into the overall investment philosophy of the team (research-driven & empirical).
· The candidate must be able to think independently and challenge consensus views. They should have a passion for software development and strong knowledge in developing a full-stack approach on a new greenfield application built on the ASP.NET MVC web framework.

Role Dimensions

· No budget responsibility

· No direct reports

Management of Risk

· Is aware of the Operational Risk scenario associated with the role and acts in a manner that takes account of operational risk considerations

Observation of Internal Controls

· Maintains HSBC internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators.
· Understands, follows and demonstrates compliance with all relevant internal and external rules, regulations and procedures that apply to the conduct of the business in which the jobholder is involved, specifically Internal Controls and any Compliance policy including, inter alia, the Group Compliance policy.
· Understand the Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles, HSBC Global Asset Management's TCF philosophy and how this affects your role. Act in a manner that takes account of these principles to ensure fair outcomes for customers

Desired profile

Qualifications :

·  This is a vice-president (GCB 4) level hire for an individual focused on a front-office career in quantitative technology and quantitative research in asset management.
·  Experience in professional development capacity with extensive programming experience and good understanding of solid development principals. Experience with the design and implantation of fully integrated back end to front end platforms essential together with strong analytical and problem solving skills. Familiarity with data visualization desirable. Good academic records, preferably within computer science, mathematics or engineering. Positive and proactive attitude with flexibility to accommodate changing environment and willingness to take on new responsibilities. Excellent communication skills with the ability to converse at all levels. Enthusiasm to develop a career in front office investment research. A positive and proactive attitude with the flexibility to accommodate a changing environment.
·  BS/MS/Phd in computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics or equivalent.
·  Knowledge of market fundamentals in several asset classes.
·  Knowledge of statistics and data science.
·  Excellent communication, analytical, and programming skills.
·  Experience with R.
·  Experience with C# and Javascript.
·  Experience with HTML and CSS.
·  Experience with ASP.NET MVC (or another Model View Controller framework).
·  Experience with relational databases (MSSQL Server preferred).
·  Familiar with graphic design.
·  Familiar with script automation in Windows (DOS or PowerShell).
·  Familiar with data visualisation.
·  Familiar with machine learning.
·  Familiar with source control and agile development principals.
·  Familiar with Bloomberg.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating a diverse environment.