Vice President, Quantitative Researcher

HarbourVest Partners • Boston, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

HarbourVest is seeking a Vice President, Quantitative Researcher to join its Quantitative Investment Sciences (QIS) team, a diverse and growing group of researchers, data engineers, and software developers developing quantitative models and tools for private-market investment decision-making and portfolio management. The researcher will support HarbourVest investment strategy teams by generating quantitative insights for investment diligence and asset selection, portfolio construction, client engagements, and fundraising. The team uses proprietary private-market datasets and statistical models to enhance a traditionally fundamental research-based investment process.

The position follows a hybrid work arrangement. Employees receive 18 remote workdays per quarter, subject to manager approval, and may choose how to schedule those days.

The role emphasizes quantitative modeling and analysis of private markets and investment opportunities, alongside support for fundraising, client-facing teams, publishing research, and ad hoc analysis. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives with investment team leadership and communicate actionable quantitative insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The role suits someone with an innovative and pragmatic approach to investment research, entrepreneurial initiative, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment with uneven, high-priority project work.

The position requires a bachelor's degree and 7–10+ years of relevant experience. A master's degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field is strongly preferred. The base salary range is $210,000–$280,000, with eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus and potentially long-term reward programs. HarbourVest also offers a total rewards package that may include retirement contributions, health insurance, income protection, paid time off and leave benefits, and well-being programs; eligibility varies by position and geography.

Requirements

• Strong foundation in quantitative equity research and systematic investment methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, apply rigorous statistical techniques, and translate findings into actionable investment insights.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and developing quantitative models to support investment decision-making.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and SQL.
• Experience within asset management, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, or similar investment environments.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence technical and investment stakeholders.
• Intellectual curiosity, strong ownership, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree required.
• 7–10+ years of relevant experience in quantitative research, quantitative investing, systematic investing, or related quantitative finance roles.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with machine learning and data science techniques.
• Exposure to private markets is preferred but not required.
• A bachelor's degree preferably in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, or a related quantitative discipline.

Responsibilities

• Apply quantitative models to characterize market risk/return relationships and return drivers, and evaluate private-market investment opportunities.
• Communicate results and actionable insights to investment teams.
• Lead a strategic research and development plan with investment team leadership.
• Seek to incorporate new models and techniques, including AI/ML, to enhance and scale the investment process.
• Support fundraising and ad hoc quantitative analysis requests.
• Support client-facing teams and publish insightful research.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus based on individual and overall firm performance.
• Potential participation in long-term reward programs, typically for more senior-level roles.
• Retirement contributions.
• Health insurance.
• Income protection.
• Paid time off and leave benefits.
• Well-being programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior