Vanguard is expanding its Private Markets Research team to deepen our understanding of private investments and their role in portfolio construction. As a Senior Investment Researcher, you will conduct original research across private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure, helping to shape investment insights, portfolio strategies, and thought leadership that support better outcomes for investors.
This role:
Conducts original quantitative and qualitative research on private markets, portfolio construction, and investment strategy. Develops independent insights and recommendations that inform Vanguard’s investment philosophy and product development.
Designs and implements analytical models, research tools, and reproducible code using programming languages (e.g., Python, R, or similar) to analyze complex datasets, automate research workflows, and support investment decision-making.
Leads research projects related to private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, and portfolio implementation. Identifies important research questions, evaluates evidence critically, and develops innovative solutions to investment challenges.
Prepares research papers, presentations, and statistical analyses for senior management, clients, industry audiences, and external publication. Communicates complex investment concepts clearly and objectively.
Contributes to the development, validation, and enhancement of Vanguard’s investment methodologies, including portfolio construction, asset allocation, capital market assumptions, liquidity analysis, and risk measurement.
Serves as a subject matter expert on private market portfolio research, collaborating across investment, product, and client-facing teams, while mentoring junior researchers and contributing to Vanguard’s thought leadership.
What it takes:
Five to seven years of experience in investment research, asset management, quantitative analysis, portfolio construction, or related investment-focused roles.
Exposure to private markets through research, investment analysis, manager due diligence, portfolio construction, or investment strategy work. Direct private markets experience of one to two years is preferred but not required.
Knowledge of private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, or other alternative asset classes, with the ability to apply private markets insights within a broader investment context.
Demonstrated expertise in quantitative analysis, econometrics, statistics, and financial modeling.
Proficiency in Python, R, or comparable programming languages for data analysis, model development, and research automation.
Proven ability to independently originate research ideas, solve complex investment problems, and communicate findings effectively.
Undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field required. Graduate degree and/or CFA designation preferred.
This role follows Vanguard's hybrid work model, with in-office collaboration required Tuesday through Thursday in Malvern, PA. Remote work is available on Mondays and Fridays.
Relocation assistance is available.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
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.