Research Associate - Discretionary Macro

About AQR Capital Management

AQR is a global investment firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver concrete, long-term results by looking past market noise to identify and isolate the factors that matter most, and by developing ideas that stand up to rigorous testing. By putting theory into practice, we have become a leader in alternative strategies and an innovator in traditional portfolio management since 1998.

 At AQR, our employees share a common spirit of academic excellence, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to seeking the truth. We’re determined to know what makes financial markets tick – and we’ll ask every question and challenge every assumption.  We recognize and respect the power of collaboration and believe transparency and openness to new ideas leads to innovation.

The Team

AQR is looking to hire a Researcher to join in Discretionary Portfolio Management within the Macro and Multi-Strategy Group. The Macro and Multi Strategy group focuses on all aspects of research and portfolio management for a range of the firm’s alternative funds including Managed Futures, Global Macro, Style Premia, Hedge Fund Risk Premia and Absolute Return. The Discretionary Macro team works with the firm’s systematic researchers to jointly manage macro portfolios and the firm’s flagship Global Macro Strategy. The team performs qualitative analysis of macroeconomic fundamentals impacting a broad range of asset classes to implement discretionary trades, model and manage event risk, and identify potential new areas of research.

Your Role

• Conduct primary analysis of fundamental drivers of macro assets, including changes in monetary policy, fiscal policy, and geopolitical developments
• Develop understanding of the team’s investment philosophy and work towards an eventual ability to contribute to idea generation
• Contribute to Discretionary portfolio implementation processes, including trade sizing, portfolio rebalancing, and instrument selection
• Participate in the preparation of presentation materials related to Discretionary portfolios and the team’s views on the macro environment
• Develop a strong understanding of AQR’s systematic strategies to facilitate collaboration with other research teams

What You’ll Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree from a top university
• 3-5 years of relevant post-undergraduate experience at an investment management or asset management firm, a consulting firm or investment bank
• Familiarity with the structure and behavior of currency, fixed income, equity, and commodity markets
• Familiarity with macroeconomic concepts and data
• High degree of intellectual curiosity
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel required; familiarity with SQL and/or Python a plus

Who You Are

• Hard working and eager to learn in a highly intellectual, collaborative environment
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic about developing and implementing ideas
• Self-starter, able to work independently as well as within a team
• Exceptional analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of finance and the investment management industry

AQR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  EEO/VET/DISABILITY

The salary range for this role is expected to be $180,000 to $220,000.  This is the range that we in good faith believe is accurate for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, depending upon factors such as skills, experience, location, or other business and organizational needs.  This wage range may also be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and any other benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.