AI Research Analyst (AI & Digital Asset Solutions - SMO)

Franklin Templeton•San Mateo, CA

6d•$150,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Franklin Templeton is seeking an AI Research Analyst for its new, entrepreneurial AI & Digital Asset Solutions team within Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (FTIS). This team focuses on applying frontier AI to investment problems and evaluating digital assets. The role involves building practical tools, models, and frameworks that investment teams can use, bridging cutting-edge research and real-world deployment. The AI Research Analyst will gain early exposure to solving real problems at the intersection of AI and finance, working on AI-enabled capabilities across the investment lifecycle, including agentic workflows, research copilots, portfolio construction enhancements, and client-facing tools. Collaboration with investment business partners, technology, and central AI teams is key.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in an applied quantitative field, ideally involving deploying DL/ML within an investment management organization
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a technical field such as computer science, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, or a related discipline preferred but not required
Working knowledge of financial markets and investment concepts (e.g., portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management) is a plus, but not required
Strong programming skills in at least one modern language (e.g., C++, Python, Java, C#, JavaScript), with the ability to quickly learn new languages and frameworks as needed
Experience developing or applying machine learning models (e.g., deep learning, time series modeling, or optimization techniques) in real-world settings
High intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset, with a proven ability to quickly learn new concepts and apply them to ambiguous, real-world problems
Demonstrated experience working on open-ended, ambiguous problems, with the ability to independently scope questions, design approaches, and iterate toward practical solutions
Proven experience owning end-to-end development of data or AI solutions, from initial concept and modeling through production deployment and real-world adoption
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex quantitative concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

Work with portfolio management, research, and business development teams to identify opportunities where AI can enhance alpha generation, portfolio construction, risk management, predictive analytics, and client-facing workflows
Translate ambiguous investment problems into well-scoped technical solutions, accounting for real-world constraints, edge cases, and data limitations
Work with central AI and engineering teams to productionize models and deploy them into investment workflows
Help drive adoption of AI tools by communicating results clearly and enabling investment teams to use what you build
Contribute to defining and articulating a firm-wide AI strategy for investment management, including identifying high-impact use cases, establishing best practices, and driving adoption across teams

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus
401(k) plan with a generous match
Recognition rewards
Competitive healthcare options
Insurance
Disability benefits
Employee stock investment program
Learning resources
Career development programs
Reimbursement for certain education expenses
Paid time off (vacation / holidays / sick / leave / parental & caregiving leave / bereavement / volunteering / floating holidays)
Motivational well-being program
Three weeks of PTO in your first year
Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with an 85% company match on pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to IRS limits
Employee Stock Investment Plan (ESIP) with discounted share purchase opportunities
Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP)
Opportunity to purchase company funds with no sales charge