Investment Research Analyst

Unclassified - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

About the position

The Investment Research Analyst position at Harbor Capital Solutions is a hybrid role based in Chicago, requiring in-office presence twice a week. This role is a vital addition to the Investment Risk, Analytics & Insights Team, which operates under the broader Harbor Investments Group. The team reports directly to the Chief Investment Officer and collaborates closely with both the research and portfolio management teams. The primary responsibilities of the Investment Research Analyst include utilizing both internal and external data sets to monitor the performance, risk, and positioning of all Harbor's investment strategies. The analyst will work in conjunction with the Investment Research Team to analyze potential investment partners, contributing to the creation of new Harbor investment products. Additionally, the role involves providing timely portfolio analyses to the portfolio management team and assisting other teams at Harbor in delivering insightful content for the Distribution Team and clients. The analyst will be broadly responsible for analyzing portfolio performance, characteristics, and risk of existing Harbor investment strategies, supporting due diligence on prospective investment strategies, and producing analytics for external investment content. Key responsibilities include monitoring performance and risk of Harbor strategies, developing insights from qualitative and quantitative data, collaborating with other analysts and research directors, and preparing analytical reports for internal and external stakeholders. The role also requires participation in due diligence research meetings and enhancing processes for measuring and reporting strategy performance. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments. They should possess a keen attention to detail and be comfortable analyzing and communicating insights at various levels of detail. The position demands proficiency in Excel, knowledge of SQL and/or Python, and experience with analytical tools such as FactSet and Morningstar Direct. The candidate should also be resourceful, self-motivated, and capable of independently learning new software and generating reports.

Responsibilities

• Monitor performance, portfolio characteristics, positioning and risk of Harbor strategies.
• Become proficient in developing and articulating insights using qualitative and quantitative inputs from discussions with portfolio management teams, other researchers, market data, analytical tools, and databases.
• Collaborate with other Analysts and Research Directors in preparation of recurring analyses on prospective subadvisors and the underwriting of current subadvisors.
• Proactively create and share insights on current portfolio positioning or changes in risk assessments.
• Participate in due diligence research meetings with current and prospective sub advisers.
• Proactively search for new and enhance methods for identifying, evaluating, and communicating sources of alpha from active management.
• Enhance processes for measuring and reporting strategy performance, characteristics, and risk.
• Prepare accurate and time sensitive analytical reports for use by Harbor's board of directors and internal investment committees.
• Assist Research Directors in preparation of thematic research materials and ad hoc fund specific content to be used in webinars and client communications.
• Work with compliance team to ensure performance reporting meets regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• BA/BS with a preference for finance or related degree.
• Experience in or strong knowledge of the asset management industry.
• Curious and comfortable in exploring answers to open-ended questions.
• Desire to work in a fast paced and constantly changing environment.
• Team oriented with strong intra- and cross-departmental communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with an ability to consistently express ideas and develop engagement through various methods (PowerPoint, email, individual conversations, etc.).
• Ability to independently learn new software, query data, and generate reports.
• Excellent proficiency using Excel is essential.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with analyzing quantitative data using various tools such as FactSet and Morningstar Direct.
• Knowledgeable of SQL and/or Python.
• Strong comfort with basic data operations.