Index Research & Development Analyst (Thematics) in London

ISS STOXX is seeking an enthusiastic early‑career quantitative professional to join the Thematic Index Research & Development team. This role sits at the core of index methodology design, backtesting, and client‑driven index development, with a strong emphasis on rules‑based equity index construction.

The successful candidate will join a global, collaborative, and inclusive research team responsible for designing, testing, documenting, and iterating thematic indices before launch, while also contributing to thought leadership in the thematic investing space. This is a hands‑on role with a clearly defined learning curve, offering the opportunity to work on innovative, client‑driven thematic indices at the intersection of rigorous research and real‑world investment products. Supported by a collaborative, international team culture with strong mentoring, the role provides a clear development path from execution to full ownership of index development projects, enabling the individual to build deep expertise in index methodology design and portfolio construction while contributing directly to solutions used by global investors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and backtest rules‑based thematic equity indices, including portfolio construction logic, rebalancing rules, and eligibility criteria.
• Develop Python‑based research tools, analytics, and workflows to support index construction, backtesting, and methodology analysis.
• Translate investment ideas into transparent, systematic index methodologies, working closely with senior researchers.
• Prepare index documentation and research materials, including methodology descriptions, positioning papers, and internal governance materials.
• Conduct impact analyses for methodology changes and support internal index governance discussions.
• Collaborate closely with sales, product, and client coverage teams, acting as the research interface once a client mandate progresses into index design.
• Engage directly with clients as responsibilities grow, contributing to discussions on index design choices and trade‑offs.
• Take progressive ownership of projects, with the expectation of leading index development initiatives independently after the first year.

Learning Curve & Growth

• First months: onboarding, learning internal tools, datasets, and index frameworks.
• 6 months: independent execution of backtests and methodology analysis.
• 12 months: end‑to‑end ownership of index development projects, including client interaction.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Up to 3 years of relevant experience, or a strong quantitative academic background with limited industry experience.
• Solid understanding of financial markets with a focus on equities.
• Strong interest in rules‑based investment strategies and portfolio construction.
• Strong hands‑on experience in Python, used for data analysis, backtesting, and quantitative research.
• Experience working with structured datasets and applying systematic logic to investment problems.
• Ability to write clear, well‑structured, and maintainable research code.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to explain quantitative and technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders, including sales teams and clients.
• Confidence in contributing to client discussions and internal presentations as experience grows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in indexing, quantitative asset management, investment research, or systematic strategy development.
• Prior domain expertise in specific thematic datasets.
• Working knowledge of SQL or willingness to learn.
• Exposure to cloud environments (GCP or similar) – not mandatory; tools can be learned internally.
• Foundational knowledge of probability, statistics, and time‑series analysis.
• Exposure to machine learning or advanced analytics is a plus, but not a core requirement for the role.

Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination or harassment against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, sex, age, height, weight, citizenship status, national origin, social origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy status, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, military service or status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as “protected status”). All activities including, but not limited to, recruiting and hiring, recruitment advertising, promotions, performance appraisals, training, job assignments, compensation, demotions, transfers, terminations (including layoffs), benefits, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, are and will be administered on a non‑discriminatory basis, consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.