At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research and monitoring of investment portfolios across public markets.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension fund management with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a rewarding bonus plan.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and a collaborative team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial markets while developing your analytical and technical skills.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in finance, analytical skills, and coding proficiency preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Investment Credit and Implementation team as a Junior Research Analyst, based in London on a permanent basis (hybrid working).
Who we are
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
The role
As a Junior Research Analyst, you will support the research and ongoing monitoring of both internally and externally managed portfolios across Public Markets pooled funds. The role plays an important part in ensuring that Railpen’s investment execution across multiple asset classes is aligned with our clients’ long‑term objectives. Reporting to the Head of Credit and Manager Implementation, you will contribute to the delivery of Railpen’s investment strategy by supporting portfolio oversight, market analysis, and manager research activities. You will work to monitor performance, risk and mandate compliance across public markets and private debt strategies, following the established Public Markets monitoring framework. A key aspect of the role will involve conducting financial market research and analysis to help maintain forward‑looking views on market trends. You will contribute insights in investment forums and support the development of portfolio positioning where appropriate. You will also assist in external manager research and selection processes, including supporting onboarding activity in collaboration with colleagues across the business. The role also offers the opportunity to develop and utilise technical skills, including building tools and systems to support financial market monitoring and portfolio analytics using platforms such as Bloomberg, Macrobond, and other data providers.
The person
We are looking for a motivated and intellectually curious individual with a strong interest in financial markets and investment management. You will bring a solid academic foundation, ideally in a relevant discipline such as finance, economics, mathematics or a related field, alongside a desire to develop your career within a long‑term, client‑focused investment organisation. You will demonstrate strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and form considered views. An interest in understanding how financial markets operate, and how different asset classes contribute to portfolio construction, will be important. You will be proactive in building your knowledge of market developments and keen to contribute insights in a collaborative team environment. We are ideally looking for somebody who is proficient in coding, AI and knowledge of Bloomberg would be advantageous. Attention to detail and a structured approach to work are essential, particularly when supporting portfolio monitoring and ensuring that performance, risk and mandate considerations are clearly understood. You should be comfortable working with data and have an interest in developing your technical skills, including the use of tools such as Excel and financial data platforms such as Bloomberg or Macrobond. You will also demonstrate strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate your analysis both verbally and in writing to a range of stakeholders. A collaborative and adaptable approach will be key, as you will work closely with colleagues across investment teams and wider business functions, particularly when supporting external manager research and onboarding. Above all, you will be someone who is keen to learn, open to new ideas and committed to delivering high-quality work that supports strong client outcomes. Progress towards a relevant professional qualification, such as the CFA, would be advantageous or something you are willing to pursue as part of your ongoing development.
What we can offer you
- A competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous annual bonus plan
- Membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
- 4x Life Assurance cover
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
Lifestyle
- We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
- Buy and sell holidays
- Give as you earn scheme
- Flexible half days leave
- Electric vehicle leasing
- Cycle to work scheme
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Junior Research Analyst employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust benefits package including private medical insurance and a defined benefit pension scheme. With a strong commitment to hybrid working and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Railpen fosters a collaborative environment where Junior Research Analysts can thrive, develop their technical skills, and contribute meaningfully to investment strategies that impact communities positively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Research Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Railpen and its investment strategies. Understand their approach to portfolio management and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. Show them you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills! Brush up on interpreting financial data and market trends. You might get asked to analyse a case study or provide insights during your interview, so being sharp will give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Railpen and ready to contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Research Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Junior Research Analyst role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects in finance, economics, or data analysis to show us you're a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for financial markets and investment management. Tell us why you want to join Railpen and how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, be sure to mention any experience you have with data analysis or financial research. We love candidates who can interpret data and identify trends, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨Know Your Financial Markets
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of financial markets and investment management. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key asset classes, and how they contribute to portfolio construction. This will help you articulate your insights during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss examples of how you've used analytical skills in the past. Whether it's interpreting data or identifying trends, be ready to demonstrate your ability to form considered views based on your analysis. Use specific examples from your academic or work experience.
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Tools
Since the role involves using platforms like Bloomberg and Excel, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these tools beforehand. If you have any coding experience, be prepared to discuss it, as this could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. The interviewers will be looking for strong communication skills, so consider how you can convey complex ideas simply. Also, think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative approach to working with teams.
