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Backtesting Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Develop and test new model candidates against GTI's established backtesting framework; interpret backtest results and surface findings to inform promotion decisions * Investigate forecasting errors ...

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

Own and evolve Aquatic's Slurm and Ray cluster infrastructure across on-prem and GCP - supporting research and trading workloads including fitting, tuning, backtesting, feature computation, and ...

Develop and test new model candidates against GTI's established backtesting framework; interpret backtest results and surface findings to inform promotion decisions * Investigate forecasting errors ...

Oversee or conduct stress testing and backtesting relevant to market and technology risk, and maintain the risk register with clear escalation of significant events to the CEO and regulatory ...

Founding Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

You'll build the offline evaluation and online experimentation that answers that: backtesting against real outcomes, measuring lift, and catching drift before customers do. You'll define the metrics ...

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Backtesting information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backtesting Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backtesting Analyst, you need a strong background in quantitative analysis, statistics, programming (typically in Python or R), and familiarity with financial markets, usually supported by a degree in mathematics, finance, or a related field. Proficiency with backtesting platforms (such as QuantConnect or Zipline), data analysis tools, and version control systems like Git is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong problem-solving abilities are key soft skills that help ensure robust model evaluation and development. These skills are vital for accurately assessing trading strategies and minimizing risk in real-world financial applications.

What is backtesting?

Backtesting is the process of evaluating a trading strategy or investment model by applying it to historical market data. This helps traders and analysts see how the strategy would have performed in the past, which can provide insights into its potential effectiveness and risks. While backtesting can help identify strengths and weaknesses, it's important to remember that past performance is not always indicative of future results. The reliability of backtesting depends on data quality, strategy design, and how well it simulates real trading conditions.

What are some common challenges faced when backtesting trading strategies, and how can they be managed?

One common challenge in backtesting trading strategies is the risk of overfitting, where a model performs exceptionally well on historical data but fails in live markets. Data quality and availability can also pose issues, as incomplete or inaccurate data may skew results. To manage these challenges, it's important to use out-of-sample testing, robust data cleaning processes, and to validate strategies on multiple datasets. Collaborating with quantitative analysts and developers can also help ensure the backtesting process is thorough and reliable.

What is the difference between Backtesting vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectBacktestingQuantitative Analyst
Primary RoleTesting trading strategies using historical dataDeveloping and implementing quantitative models for investment decisions
Required SkillsData analysis, programming, finance knowledgeMathematics, programming, financial theory
Work EnvironmentTrading firms, hedge funds, financial institutionsAsset management firms, hedge funds, banks
CertificationsOften none required, but CFA or CQF helpfulCFA, CQF, or advanced degrees common

Backtesting focuses on evaluating trading strategies with historical data, while a Quantitative Analyst develops models to inform investment decisions. Both roles require strong analytical skills and finance knowledge but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Portfolio Manager & Senior Quantitative Researcher

Portfolio Manager & Senior Quantitative Researcher

Morningstar, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$195K - $299K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


MorningStar Senior Living rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 235 rated social care providers


Job description

The Area:
The Investment Management group is a global team guided by Morningstar's investment principles focused on delivering great long-term investment results to help end-investors reach their financial goals. We use our expertise in asset allocation, investment selection and portfolio construction to create world-class investment strategies leveraging the full resources of Morningstar. The group specializes in multi-asset investing, using building blocks in equities, fixed income and alternative investments to construct robust portfolios. Through our investment offerings, we serve financial advisers and institutions, and the investors that they serve.
The Role:
The Portfolio Manager & Senior Quantitative Researcher will join the Systematic Strategies team in the Investment Management group. This experienced investment professional is responsible for contributing to the development, implementation, and management of systematic equity strategies globally. This includes, but is not limited to, ideas generation, strategy design, portfolio construction, risk management, cash-flow and corporate actions management, and compliance. In this position, the senior quantitative researcher / portfolio manager is expected to play a leading role within the team and be able to interact with clients, prospects, and senior management across various departments. This role requires a person who demonstrates excellent quantitative analytical skills, a track record for cutting-edge research, and significant experience in day-to-day management of systematic equity strategies.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and work alongside other team members to build and enhance systematic strategies across all steps of the investment process, including ideas generation, strategy design, portfolio construction and implementation.
  • Discover, evaluate, use alternative/new data sources to build novel systematic strategies.
  • Partner with operations and trading team to oversee day-to-day management of all aspects of systematic strategies implementation including trading, compliance, managing of daily cash flows and corporate actions.
  • Work with leading-edge portfolio construction technology and optimization techniques to construct portfolios as a portfolio building blocks or standalone strategies.
  • Communicate systematic strategies performance and attribution, market environment and outlook to internal and external groups including clients and prospects.

Requirements:
  • 8+ years of progressive hands-on systematic investing experience including quantitative research and portfolio management, preferably with focus in equity.
  • Significant experience in statistical modelling of large data sets and solid understanding of multi-factor models, portfolio construction, optimization, backtesting and scenario analysis.
  • Strong quantitative skills with solid understanding of statistics (e.g. panel data analysis, time-series analysis, machine-learning), fundamental analysis, and accounting. Familiarity with equity databases (e.g., FactSet), and optimization softwares (e.g. Axioma).
  • Proficiency in programming language(s) (Python, R, or Matlab) and database management software (e.g., SQL).
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with experience producing high quality materials for clients, prospects, and publications.
  • Proven ability to take investment-related research from idea origination to implementation. Evidence of ability to create alpha through deployment of quantitative systematic strategies.
  • Advanced degree in a quantitative discipline; Ph.D. preferred.

Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:
  • Financial Health
    • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
    • Stock Ownership Potential
    • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
  • Physical Health
    • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
    • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
    • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
  • Emotional Health
    • Trust-Based Time Off
    • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
    • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
    • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
    • Adoption Assistance
    • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
    • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
    • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Social Health
    • Charitable Matching Gifts program
    • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
    • Paid volunteering days
    • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range
$195,600.00-299,916.66
Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
002_MstarAssocLLC Morningstar Investment Management LLC Legal Entity

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