Senior Quantitative Research Manager, New Product Development

Morningstar Indexes- http://indexes.morningstar.com

Position: Senior Quantitative Research Manager, New Product Development – Morningstar Indexes
The Area: Morningstar Indexes is building the next generation of index products at the intersection of markets, quantitative research, data science, and AI, creating global equity, bond, private securities and asset allocation indexes that empower investors worldwide.

The Role: As a senior member of the New Product Development team, you will lead and inspire quantitative analysts who turn bold ideas into indexes - from investment thesis and back-testing to launch - while championing AI-first, research-led ways of working and mentoring the team. This position is based in our Mumbai office.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of quant analysts to build and launch benchmark, thematic, factor, strategic beta, and multi-asset indexes from concept to market
• Own the full index life cycle - spot opportunities, test signals, run back-tests, shape methodology, and launch
• Apply quant techniques, machine learning, and risk analytics to turn investment ideas into rules-based methodologies
• Push the use of AI, coding assistants, and agentic workflows to automate research and speed up product development - and coach the team to do the same
• Nurture a vibrant R&D culture, collaborating with Morningstar’s research teams and building tools, white papers, and client-ready stories that make complex ideas exciting

Requirements: 

• 8+ years at an index provider, asset manager, investment bank, or fintech/systematic investing firm, with index development and portfolio construction expertise
• Strong quant toolkit (factor research, back-testing, risk analytics), knowledge of institutional investing and index construction, and coding skills in Python, R, SQL, MATLAB, or similar
• Excited by AI-first ways of working, with experience using Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Gemini, or ChatGPT; AI agents/RAG exposure is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or financial discipline, or engineering; CFA, MBA, or graduate degree helpful
• Experience leading projects or mentoring a research team; clear, engaging communicator; published research is a plus
• A bonus: ESG data and index design expertise, or familiarity with basket design for Structured Products

Why this role is exciting: Build, experiment, and scale new ideas with a talented team - using AI and quant research to create products that reach investors worldwide.
Morningstar is an equal opportunity employer.

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.