Cutting Edge
PhD Roles in Finance
While we actively seek candidates with Ph.D. specializations in Finance (including Asset Pricing, Corporate Finance, and Financial Econometrics) we also recognize that the most innovative solutions often come from diverse quantitative skill sets. As such, we are keenly interested in individuals with doctorates in fields such as Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Engineering, Energy Systems Modelling, Electrical Power Engineering, Energy Resource Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Meteorology / Atmospheric Sciences / Earth Systems.
The advanced mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and computational expertise honed in these disciplines are highly transferable to careers in quantitative research, risk management, and algorithmic trading. Whether you are a theoretical physicist with a deep understanding of complex systems, an energy systems engineer experienced in modeling large-scale networks, a computer scientist specializing in machine learning, or an atmospheric scientist adept at analyzing dynamic data sets, we have a vested interest in your unique analytical abilities and are committed to finding you a role where you can drive significant value.
At HW Anderson, we track candidates from doctoral programs through to senior finance roles, providing advice, introductions, and career opportunities along the way.
Coverage
Functional Scope
PhD roles in Finance span a variety of front office and analytical positions. We work closely with clients to match highly educated candidates with the right investment platform, and we support PhDs in navigating the transition into the financial sector.
Quantitative Analyst/Researcher
Quantitative Analyst/Researcher
Build and refine models, algorithms, and signals to generate alpha across equities, macro, credit, commodities, and digital assets. Many PhDs specialize in volatility modelling, where advanced mathematics and probability theory are applied to price derivatives and measure portfolio risk.
Equity Research Analyst
Equity Research Analyst
Conduct deep fundamental and data-driven analysis of companies, industries, and trends to support investment decisions.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Take ownership of risk and capital allocation, applying quantitative techniques or discretionary judgment to optimize returns.
Trader
Trader
Execute systematic or discretionary trading strategies, often relying on financial engineering and advanced analytics.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Apply machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced statistics to extract insights from large and complex financial data sets.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analyst
Use quantitative modeling to measure and manage exposures across asset classes and strategies.
Data Analyst (People Analytics)
Data Analyst (People Analytics)
Provide evidence-based insights on organizational performance, talent, and productivity within financial institutions.
AI and Machine Learning Specialist
AI and Machine Learning Specialist
Develop and apply advanced algorithms to financial markets, risk management, and trading strategies. This growing area leverages deep learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics to create innovative investment approaches and improve decision-making.
Financial Engineer
Financial Engineer
Design and implement structured products, risk premia strategies, and innovative investment solutions.
Investment Analyst
Investment Analyst
Evaluate potential opportunities for portfolios across public and private markets.
Researcher
Researcher
Investigate macroeconomic trends, policy impacts, or market dynamics for think tanks, regulators, or academic collaborations.
Global Leverage
Local Access
HW Anderson operates from offices in New York, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Dubai. With placements made in more than 70 cities worldwide, we connect PhD roles in Finance with opportunities across all major markets. Our international coverage allows us to provide candidates with guidance on where their skills are most valued and helps clients identify talent pools globally.
This reach gives us insight into mobility trends, compensation benchmarks, and cultural dynamics. We regularly work with candidates relocating between regions and firms expanding into new geographies. Whether you are a PhD considering a move from academia into finance, or a client searching for specialized quantitative expertise, our global presence ensures we can support your goals.
CLIENT TYPES
Diverse Relationships
HW Anderson provides more than introductions. We educate PhDs on the opportunities available in PhD roles in Finance, the skills most valued by different types of firms, and how to present their expertise to a commercial audience. For clients, we provide market intelligence, access to the most advanced academic talent, and the ability to build investment teams with genuine research depth. Our role is to bridge the gap between academia and finance, ensuring that PhDs find careers where their training delivers meaningful impact, and clients benefit from hiring some of the brightest minds in the market.
We partner with a broad range of institutions that value the skills PhD roles in Finance bring to their platforms:
HEDGE FUNDS
HEDGE FUNDS
Hire PhDs for quantitative research, trading, and portfolio management, particularly in systematic and hybrid strategies.
Proprietary Trading Firms and HFT Firms
Proprietary Trading Firms and HFT Firms
Seek PhDs with strong mathematical and programming backgrounds to build and refine high-frequency or algorithmic strategies.
Asset Managers
Asset Managers
Rely on PhDs to contribute to investment strategy, risk management, and data science, often blending fundamental and quantitative approaches.
Private Equity
Private Equity
Utilize PhDs to analyze complex transactions, evaluate companies, and develop investment theses.
Digital Asset Investors
Digital Asset Investors
Engage PhDs to develop quantitative trading strategies, design risk models, and apply machine learning techniques in cryptocurrencies, tokenized products, and blockchain based markets.
Investment Banks
Investment Banks
Recruit PhDs for quantitative research desks, derivatives structuring, and trading analytics.
Contact
Engaging HW Anderson
For further information regarding our ability to deliver talent to your firm please get in touch.
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Team
Our People
Within the hyper-competitive and tight-knit trading and investment community our growth as a firm since inception has been exponential and truly organic. Every specialist HW Anderson consultant has been trained in-house and from-scratch. This ensures our methodology is original and consistent and that our culture is unique. Thanks to this growth we are positioned as a leader in Trans-Atlantic front office search. With three established offices, in the USA, UK and EU, our talented team is uniquely positioned to deliver meaningful value for our clients into the future.
