CFA Institute Research, Advocacy, and Standards Affiliate

CFA Institute is looking to appoint Researchers/Senior Researchers (collectively, “Affiliates”) for one-year terms to develop and conduct research in accordance with our thematic research agenda. We intend to hire Affiliates from academia and industry at graduate and post-graduate (Master's and Ph.D.) levels.

The objective of the affiliate research program is to develop and publish research that:

• Improves knowledge and understanding among investment practitioners, institutions, and policymakers in the respective fields of study.

• Supports the development of industry best practices, regulation, and market integrity.

• Supports talent development in the investment management ecosystem.

Affiliates will be tasked to develop research under the oversight of the Senior Head, Research, and will be supported with mentorship from the Research, Advocacy, and Standards division. CFA Institute will own all intellectual property and publish the research conducted under the Research & Policy Center. For those aspiring to publish in academic journals, the creation of derivative works will be permissible following the publication of the original work by CFA Institute. All projects must be completed through to publication within the 1-year term of appointment.

We welcome applicants with specific research interests in the following:

• Machine Learning 
• Natural Language Processing, Understanding, and Generation 
• Large Language Models and developments in Artificial Intelligence 
• Big data, alternative data, data analytics and visualization 
• Cryptoassets, Blockchain, and Central Bank Digital Currencies 
• Pensions and retirement income systems 
• Private markets 
• Investment products, asset classes, factors 
• Private wealth management 
• Financial stability, systemic risk 
• Sustainability data, processes and analytics 

Opportunities exist in London or Washington, DC with a commitment to be in the applicable office at least two days per week. 

Examples of previous research by CFA Institute are available at https://www.cfainstitute.org/research.

As a CFA Institute Affiliate, you will be responsible for the following:

• Conducting and managing research projects, drafting papers and articles on capital markets issues.

• Originating project ideas on relevant investment industry topics, conducting research, and developing well-articulated arguments, recommendations, and policy positions.

• Affiliates with Post Doctorate and/or significant research industry experience may have additional responsibilities, including advising and supervising wider research initiatives and mentoring other affiliates in research practices.

The qualifications for this role include:

• Completing a master’s or doctorate, with experience in Finance, Economics, Law, or a similar field, is a plus.

• CFA Candidate or charterholder a plus.

• Must have strong writing and analytical skills, capacity for synthesizing complex information, and establishing links between factors.

• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of additional languages would be useful.

• Self-starter who can work independently and is results driven.

• Must demonstrate outstanding judgment and mature business skills with the ability to establish a strong rapport with senior management.

CFA Institute salary ranges will vary by geographical location. This role is being posted internationally and does not have to be performed in Washington DC. In compliance with the Washington DC salary disclosure law, the anticipated base salary for this role in Washington DC will be $84,100 for Affiliates or $114,700 for Senior Affiliates. Salaries are determined based on candidate relevant experience and skills, as well as internal equity.