Applied AI – Index Research & Development
Applied AI – Index Research & Development

Applied AI – Index Research & Development

Full-Time 30000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
MSCI Inc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop AI systems to revolutionise index research and automation.
  • Company: Join MSCI, a leader in financial analytics and innovative technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits tailored for you.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation and make a real impact in finance.
  • Qualifications: Degree in a quantitative field with experience in AI and strong Python skills.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.

Your Team Responsibilities

The AI Index R&D team is part of MSCI’s broader Index Research and Development organization, driving innovation through the integration of artificial intelligence and data science into index research, construction, and delivery. Our team develops AI-powered tools, frameworks, and workflows that enhance the efficiency, scalability, and insight generation of index research. We work closely with Data & AI, Index Engineering, and Index Product teams to explore how large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic systems can transform how MSCI designs, evaluates, and communicates index methodologies. The team operates at the intersection of AI research, applied engineering, and financial analytics, combining technical innovation with domain expertise to shape the next generation of MSCI Index capabilities.

Your Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop advanced AI systems leveraging LLMs, RAG, and agentic architectures to enhance index research, methodology interpretation, and automation.
  • Prototype and validate new AI concepts, translating research ideas into working, production-ready solutions.
  • Integrate and optimize AI workflows with data systems such as Snowflake, ClickHouse, and internal APIs to enable scalable and intelligent automation.
  • Develop and maintain testing, evaluation, and quality-control frameworks to ensure reliability and transparency of AI-generated outputs.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Index R&D, Data & AI, and Engineering teams to ensure alignment between AI innovation and business priorities.
  • Explore emerging technologies in LLM orchestration, multi-agent reasoning, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) to identify and adopt best practices for MSCI’s AI ecosystem.
  • Contribute to the evolution of MSCI’s AI Index framework, helping define standards, governance, and deployment practices for responsible AI in index research.

Your Skills And Experience That Will Help You Excel

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, or another quantitative field with exposure to AI or Data Science.
  • Over 6 years’ experience in the financial services or data industry; 1–2 years of hands-on experience with large language models (LLMs), RAG systems, agentic workflows, or applied AI research.
  • Strong Python programming skills, with experience using modern AI and orchestration frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or equivalent.
  • Familiarity with data infrastructure (SQL, Snowflake, ClickHouse) and cloud environments (Azure, AWS, or GCP).
  • Understanding of financial indexes, factors, ESG, and thematic investing and their role in institutional portfolios.
  • Experience designing multi-step reasoning systems and scalable API-based solutions.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills, with a detail-oriented and proactive mindset.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment, balancing innovation with methodological rigor.

About MSCI

At MSCI we are passionate about what we do, and we are inspired by our vision – to power better decisions. You’ll be part of an industry-leading network of creative, curious, and entrepreneurial pioneers. This is a space where you can challenge yourself, set new standards and perform beyond expectations for yourself, our clients, and our industry. MSCI strengthens global markets by connecting participants across the financial ecosystem with a common language. Our research-based data, analytics and indexes, supported by advanced technology, set standards for global investors and help our clients understand risks and opportunities so they can make better decisions and unlock innovation. We serve asset managers and owners, private-market sponsors and investors, hedge funds, wealth managers, banks, insurers and corporates.

What we offer you

  • Transparent compensation schemes and comprehensive employee benefits, tailored to your location, ensuring your financial security, health, and overall wellbeing.
  • Flexible working arrangements, advanced technology, and collaborative workspaces.
  • A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results.
  • A global network of talented colleagues, who inspire, support, and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients.
  • Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey, followed by access to our Learning@MSCI platform, AI Learning Center, LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development.
  • Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles.
  • We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion belonging and connection, including eight Employee Resource Groups: All Abilities, Asian Support Network, Black Leadership Network, Climate Action Network, Hola! MSCI, Pride & Allies, Women in Tech, and Women’s Leadership Forum.

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. MSCI is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please email Disability.Assistance@msci.com and indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. Please note, this e-mail is intended only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation; it is not intended for other inquiries. MSCI does not accept unsolicited CVs/Resumes. Please do not forward CVs/Resumes to any MSCI employee, location, or website. MSCI is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs/Resumes. We are aware of recruitment scams where fraudsters impersonating MSCI personnel may try and elicit personal information from job seekers.

Applied AI – Index Research & Development employer: MSCI Inc

At MSCI, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, where our employees are empowered to push boundaries and drive meaningful change in the financial services industry. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits tailored to your location, and a commitment to professional growth through our Learning@MSCI platform, you will find ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Join a diverse team of pioneers who are passionate about leveraging AI to transform index research and make impactful decisions.
MSCI Inc

Contact Detail:

MSCI Inc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Applied AI – Index Research & Development

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at MSCI. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got a project or a portfolio that highlights your experience with AI and data science, make sure to share it during interviews or networking events.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Python skills and understanding LLMs and RAG systems. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your thought process.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at MSCI. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Applied AI – Index Research & Development

Large Language Models (LLMs)
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
Agentic Workflows
Python Programming
LangChain
LlamaIndex
SQL
Snowflake
ClickHouse
Cloud Environments (Azure, AWS, GCP)
Financial Indexes Knowledge
Multi-Step Reasoning Systems
API-Based Solutions
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your experience with AI, LLMs, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and index research. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and how you can help us drive innovation at MSCI.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves advanced AI systems, make sure to highlight your programming skills, especially in Python. Mention any frameworks or tools you've used, like LangChain or Snowflake, to show us you're ready to hit the ground running.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at MSCI Inc

Know Your AI Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and agentic systems. Be ready to discuss how these technologies can enhance index research and methodology interpretation, as this will show your understanding of the role.

Showcase Your Python Skills

Since strong Python programming skills are crucial for this position, prepare to demonstrate your coding abilities. You might be asked to solve a problem or explain your approach to using frameworks like LangChain or LlamaIndex, so practice coding challenges beforehand.

Understand Financial Indexes

Familiarise yourself with financial indexes, factors, and thematic investing. Being able to articulate how these concepts relate to institutional portfolios will set you apart and show that you can connect AI innovations with real-world applications.

Prepare for Collaboration Questions

Given the collaborative nature of the role, think about past experiences where you've worked cross-functionally. Be ready to share examples that highlight your communication skills and ability to balance innovation with methodological rigor in a fast-paced environment.

Applied AI – Index Research & Development
MSCI Inc

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