Household Finance Researcher in London

Household Finance Researcher in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Vanguard Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct impactful research on household finance and investor behaviour.
  • Company: Join Vanguard, a leader in investment strategy and research.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a diverse, inclusive culture.
  • Other info: Collaborate with global experts and present findings to diverse audiences.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in retirement outcomes for millions of investors.
  • Qualifications: Advanced degree in Economics, Finance, or related field; research experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are seeking a researcher to help deepen our understanding of the decisions people make about saving, investing, and retirement.

Team & Opportunity

The Investment Strategy Group (ISG) is a global team that serves as Vanguard’s in-house research team, with subject matter experts based in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The team produces industry-leading papers and publications that help shape perspectives, play a central role in developing Vanguard’s investment and advice methodology, and inform decisions about our investment offerings and strategies. As the Behavioural Economics Team within ISG, we aim to discover, share, and apply breakthrough insights about investor behaviour to drive better decisions and outcomes for all investors.

Your work will generate thought leadership with applications to Vanguard business, media, public policy, and the academic research community. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work with senior business partners to inform Vanguard products and services as well as collaborate on data analysis, surveys, and experiments. Vanguard has incredible people and an inspiring mission: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. If you are interested in making a positive impact on the retirement outcomes of households and have a passion for data, research, and working in teams, this is a great opportunity for you. Vanguard is fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive working environment. This role will be based in London, UK.

In this role, you will:

  • Conduct research that is scientifically rigorous, relevant to millions of investors, timely and impactful. Analyze administrative data, surveys, experiments, third-party and public datasets, distilling data into compelling visualizations and “killer charts” to tell differentiated stories.
  • Help shape Vanguard’s house view on behavioural economics, household finance, retirement savings and spending, investment advice, and public policy. Distill insights into high-impact written materials, including research memos, articles, blog posts, white papers, and academic papers.
  • Serve as an ambassador for Vanguard by presenting your research to a wide range of audiences, from internal business partners to investors, advisors, and industry and academic conferences.
  • Provide consultation services and act as a subject matter expert. Prepare and deliver insight presentations and action recommendations. Communicate complex analytical findings and implications to business partners in ways that inform Vanguard products and services.
  • Conduct rapid data analytics to support Vanguard’s response to media and regulator inquiries.
  • Keep up with latest trends in behavioral economics and retirement, identifying new ways to amplify research rigor and impact. Work with academic partners in research collaborations.
  • Participate in group discussions designed to identify and debate investment issues and potential research projects. Develop recommendations on new research topics or methodology issues.
  • Proactively identify opportunities to enhance team research capabilities, such as new data sources or analytic techniques.

What it takes:

  • Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Economics, Finance, Psychology, Decision Sciences, or a related quantitative field required. Doctoral degree (PhD) preferred.
  • Minimum of five years related work experience in research roles or equivalent educational experience.
  • Experience conducting, writing, and publishing research on behavioral economics, household finance, retirement, and/or investing strongly preferred. Able to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Proven experience writing code to access, transform, and analyze data. Proficient at analysing large datasets, identifying trends, and assessing the significance of changes.
  • Intellectual curiosity and a passion for generating and pursuing “big ideas” for “aha” insights through research.
  • Team-first orientation and openness to learning new ideas, skills, and ways of working with a diverse set of teammates and stakeholders (e.g., employers, financial advisors and institutions, individual investors, and policymakers).
  • Be capable of producing high-quality analysis to tight deadlines. Excellent time management and organisational skills.

Special Factors

  • Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Role Designation: Certified Person.
  • This position is hybrid based in London and would require you to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.

Household Finance Researcher in London employer: The Vanguard Group

The Vanguard Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Manchester that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to work on cutting-edge AI-driven projects that shape the future of marketing technology. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional development, Vanguard stands out as a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in tech.

The Vanguard Group

Contact Details:

The Vanguard Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Household Finance Researcher in London

Tap into Campus Networks

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Get Certified

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Connect on Professional Platforms

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Apply Directly and Be Proactive

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We think you need these skills to ace Household Finance Researcher in London

Research Skills
Data Analysis
Behavioural Economics
Household Finance
Retirement Planning
Statistical Analysis
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to The Vanguard Group.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on The Vanguard Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Vanguard Group

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with The Vanguard Group.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Vanguard Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Vanguard Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.