Quantitative Research Intern

Davidson Kempner for LinkedIn • New York, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Davidson Kempner’s Quantitative Research team is a centralized research group supporting investment teams across equities, corporate credit, real estate, structured products, and merger arbitrage. The team conducts analysis and delivers data-driven, actionable insights in support of the firm’s investments and broader strategic priorities. Its work combines programming, statistical analysis, quantitative modeling, and understanding of businesses and financial markets to address a broad range of investment research questions. The role applies quantitative research and analytical methods to support the firm’s discretionary investment process, rather than developing systematic investment or algorithmic trading strategies.

The intern works alongside experienced quantitative research analysts on live projects, gaining hands-on experience in data sourcing, analysis, modeling, and the development of analytical tools. The position offers mentorship and opportunities to collaborate with investment professionals across the firm. Strong-performing interns may be considered for full-time opportunities upon graduation.

The internship lasts six months and is based in person at Davidson Kempner’s New York headquarters. Specific dates and program arrangements will be coordinated with Columbia University’s MAFN program office. Compensation is $40 per hour.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in Columbia University's M.A. in Mathematics of Finance (MAFN) program and in good academic standing.
• Strong foundation in statistics, probability, quantitative methods, regression, and time-series analysis.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, understanding of database structures, data processing, and coding best practices, and comfort with Excel.
• Experience working with complex datasets and applying analytical or statistical methods to practical problems.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy, analytical rigor, and quality of work.
• Genuine interest in financial markets, the broader economy, and applying quantitative analysis to investment research questions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and an interest in applying quantitative methods to real investment questions.
• Self-motivation, organization, and ability to take ownership of projects while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain analytical findings clearly to investment professionals.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced investment research environment.
• Willingness to take responsibility, follow through on commitments, use feedback to improve, and contribute to the firm as a whole.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Databricks, visualization platforms, machine learning, or AI-assisted analytical tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative analysis across companies, sectors, and asset classes, including revenue forecasting, business performance evaluation, and investment monitoring.
• Source, evaluate, and analyze traditional and alternative datasets, assessing data quality, coverage, biases, and limitations.
• Apply statistical and quantitative methods to analyze data, develop models, generate forecasts, and test investment hypotheses.
• Write, test, maintain, and document reliable Python and SQL code; work with databases and develop reusable analytical processes.
• Build and maintain analytical dashboards, monitoring tools, and automated research reports.
• Support company-specific due diligence and broader thematic research alongside quantitative research analysts and investment teams.
• Validate analytical results, reconcile findings against underlying sources, and communicate conclusions, assumptions, and limitations clearly.
• Explore and use AI tools to enhance research capabilities and analytical efficiency.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern