Investment Strategist, Senior Specialist

About the role

Vanguard is expanding its Private Markets Research team to deepen its understanding of private investments and their role in portfolio construction. The Senior Investment Researcher 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Prominent 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.

Qualifications

• Experience with portfolio construction, asset allocation, capital market assumptions, liquidity analysis, and risk measurement.

Skills

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Expertise in Python, R, or similar programming languages.
• Ability to communicate complex investment concepts clearly and objectively.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.

Benefits

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.

Pay

Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate in-office collaboration Tuesday through Thursday in Malvern, PA, with remote work options on Mondays and Fridays.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Time off and paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts

Special Factors

• Sponsorship: Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

Vanguard is committed to supporting long-term client outcomes and enriching the employee experience through a mission-driven and highly collaborative culture. Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of its crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection.