Index Research & Development Analyst (Thematics)

Let’s be #BrilliantTogether ISS STOXX is seeking an enthusiastic early‑career quantitative professional to join the Thematic Index Research & Development team. This role sits at the core of index methodology design, backtesting, and client‑driven index development, with a strong emphasis on rules‑based equity index construction. The successful candidate will join a global, collaborative, and inclusive research team responsible for designing, testing, documenting, and iterating thematic indices before launch, while also contributing to thought leadership in the thematic investing space. This is a hands‑on role with a clearly defined learning curve, offering the opportunity to work on innovative, client‑driven thematic indices at the intersection of rigorous research and real‑world investment products. Supported by a collaborative, international team culture with strong mentoring. The role provides a clear development path from execution to full ownership of index development projects, enabling the individual to build deep expertise in index methodology design and portfolio construction while contributing directly to solutions used by global investors. Key Responsibilities Design, implement, and backtest rules‑based thematic equity indices, including portfolio construction logic, rebalancing rules, and eligibility criteria Develop Python‑based research tools, analytics, and workflows to support index construction, backtesting, and methodology analysis Translate investment ideas into transparent, systematic index methodologies, working closely with senior researchers Prepare index documentation and research materials, including methodology descriptions, positioning papers, and internal governance materials Conduct impact analyses for methodology changes and support internal index governance discussions Collaborate closely with sales, product, and client coverage teams, acting as the research interface once a client mandate progresses into index design Engage directly with clients as responsibilities grow, contributing to discussions on index design choices and trade‑offs Take progressive ownership of projects, with the expectation of leading index development initiatives independently after the first year Learning Curve & Growth First months: onboarding, learning internal tools, datasets, and index frameworks 6 months: independent execution of backtests and methodology analysis 12 months: end‑to‑end ownership of index development projects, including client interaction Required Qualifications Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related quantitative discipline Up to 3 years of relevant experience, or a strong quantitative academic background with limited industry experience Solid understanding of financial markets with a focus on equities Strong interest in rules‑based investment strategies and portfolio construction Strong hands‑on experience in Python, used for data analysis, backtesting, and quantitative research Experience working with structured datasets and applying systematic logic to investment problems Ability to write clear, well‑structured, and maintainable research code Strong verbal and written communication skills in English Ability to explain quantitative and technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders, including sales teams and clients Confidence in contributing to client discussions and internal presentations as experience grows Preferred Qualifications Experience in indexing, quantitative asset management, investment research, or systematic strategy development Prior domain expertise in specific thematic datasets Working knowledge of SQL or willingness to learn Exposure to cloud environments (GCP or similar) – not mandatory; tools can be learned internally Foundational knowledge of probability, statistics, and time‑series analysis Exposure to machine learning or advanced analytics is a plus, but not a core requirement for the role #LI-RH1 #ASSOCIATE #Finance #STOXX What You Can Expect from Us At ISS STOXX, our people are our driving force. We are committed to building a culture that values diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. We hire the best talent in our industry and empower them with the resources, support, and opportunities to grow—professionally and personally. Together, we foster an environment that fuels creativity, drives innovation, and shapes our future success. Let’s empower, collaborate, and inspire. Let’s be #BrilliantTogether. About ISS STOXX ISS STOXX GmbH is a leading provider of research and technology solutions for the financial market. Established in 1985, we offer top-notch benchmark and custom indices globally, helping clients identify investment opportunities and manage portfolio risks. Our services cover corporate governance, sustainability, cyber risk, and fund intelligence. Majority-owned by Deutsche Börse Group, ISS STOXX has over 3,400 professionals in 33 locations worldwide, serving around 6,400 clients, including institutional investors and companies focused on ESG, cyber, and governance risk. Clients trust our expertise to make informed decisions for their stakeholders' benefit. STOXX® and DAX® indices comprise a global and comprehensive family of more than 17,000 strictly rules-based and transparent indices. Best known for the leading European equity indices EURO STOXX 50®, STOXX® Europe 600 and DAX®, the portfolio of index solutions consists of total market, benchmark, blue-chip, sustainability, thematic and factor-based indices covering a complete set of world, regional and country markets. STOXX and DAX indices are licensed to more than 550 companies around the world for benchmarking purposes and as underlyings for ETFs, futures and options, structured products, and passively managed investment funds. STOXX Ltd., part of the ISS STOXX group of companies, is the administrator of the STOXX and DAX indices under the European Benchmark Regulation. Visit our website: https://www.issgovernance.com View additional open roles: https://www.issgovernance.com/join-the-iss-team/ Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination or harassment against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, sex, age, height, weight, citizenship status, national origin, social origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy status, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, military service or status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as “protected status”). All activities including, but not limited to, recruiting and hiring, recruitment advertising, promotions, performance appraisals, training, job assignments, compensation, demotions, transfers, terminations (including layoffs), benefits, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, are and will be administered on a non-discriminatory basis, consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Let's empower, collaborate, and inspire one another. Let's be #BrilliantTogether! ISS STOXX GmbH, through its group companies, is a leading provider of comprehensive and data-centric research and technology solutions that help capital market participants identify investment opportunities, detect qualitative and quantitative portfolio company risks, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. With roots dating back to 1985, we today deliver world-class benchmark and custom indices across asset classes and geographies and serve as a premier source of independent corporate governance, sustainability, cyber risk, and fund intelligence research, data, and related offerings. Our products and services give clients the scale and leverage they need to grow their business more effectively and efficiently. ISS STOXX, which is majority owned by Deutsche Börse Group, is comprised of more than 3,400 professionals operating across 33 global locations in 19 countries. Its approximately 6,400 clients include many of the world’s leading institutional investors who turn to ISS STOXX for its objective and varied offerings, as well as companies focused on ESG, cyber, and governance risk mitigation as a shareholder value enhancing measure. Clients rely on ISS STOXX’s expertise to help them make informed decisions to benefit their stakeholders.