Associate Quantitative / Systematic Researcher

Please note this position is based in London and the successful candidate’s contractual location will be London; other locations cannot be considered.

At Aviva Investors, our expertise is in matching the right investment approach to each client’s unique needs. As the global asset management business of Aviva plc, we bring together our broad investment capabilities to deliver client-focused solutions worldwide. Managing £253 billion in assets, our 1,000‑strong team across nine countries is brilliantly connected, collaborative, and focused on delivering outcomes that truly matter.

Working together and acting responsibly are central to how we operate. We take time to understand what our clients want to achieve and design solutions that last - strengthening every portfolio with diverse perspectives and integrated thinking. Our long track record in sustainable investing reflects our commitment to doing the right thing for clients and communities alike.

Everyone at Aviva Investors plays a part in creating an exceptional client experience. With the scale and influence to make a real difference, we take our responsibility seriously. Join us and you’ll find an inclusive, supportive environment where your contribution is valued, high performance is recognised, and you’re empowered to shape your development.

We are recruiting for a Quantitative / Systematic Researcher to join our team. This is a great opportunity for someone who has experience in quantitative finance, systematic strategy research, or model development (buy-side, sell-side, or academia/industry research roles).

From fixed income and equities to multi-asset solutions, our public markets teams build high-conviction portfolios based on deep research, active management, and robust portfolio construction. We take a long-term, global view – cutting through market noise to drive superior client returns while integrating sustainability at every step.

A bit about the role: We are seeking a highly skilled Quantitative Researcher to join the Systematic Investing team and contribute to the development of next‑generation quantitative models and systematic investment strategies across our public markets platform. The successful candidate will apply advanced statistical, machine learning and mathematical techniques to research, design and implement systematic signals and portfolio construction methods. This role is suited to an intellectually curious researcher with strong technical foundations, experience in systematic model development, and fluency with modern AI/LLM tools (e.g., Claude, GPT‑based models) to accelerate research, coding productivity and workflow efficiency.

You will work closely with the Head of Systematic Investments, portfolio managers, data engineering and technology teams to help build a scalable, institutional quantitative platform underpinning new and existing funds.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• MSc or PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or similar quantitative discipline.
• Strong foundation in probability, optimisation, numerical methods and statistical learning.
• Advanced Python programming (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Statsmodels, PyTorch/JAX/TensorFlow beneficial).
• Proficiency with LLM‑based tools (Claude, GPT, Copilot, etc.) for research acceleration and enhanced productivity.
• Experience working with large datasets and modern data engineering tooling.

In this role you’ll be ‘Certified’ under the Financial Conduct Authority / Prudential Regulation Authority’s Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). This means that we’ll need to complete some regulatory background checks on you before you take up your role and we’ll need to ask you some questions on an annual basis to make sure you remain ‘fit and proper’ and competent to carry out your role. We’ll provide training on what holding a SMCR role means when you join us and annually thereafter.

What you’ll get for this role: Our purpose - with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you. We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague:

• Competitive salary (depending on skills, experience, and qualifications).
• Discretionary bonus opportunity - depending on individual performance and Aviva Investors!
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days!
• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
• Make your money go further with up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 annual volunteering days to help others.

Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

To find out more about working at Aviva, take a look here. We’d love it if you could submit your application online but if you require an alternative method of applying, please email us at GlobalRecruitment@avivainvestors.com.