Senior Economist - Investment Strategy Group

About the Role

The Investment Strategy Group, within the Investment Management Group, is comprised of researchers with specialization in economics, psychology, business, finance, data science, Advice Methodology, and more. The Investment Strategy Group develops and maintains key elements of Vanguard investment methodology. This team also publishes and presents on topics ranging from portfolio construction to investor policy to the Vanguard view on the markets and economy.

Investment Strategy Group crew serve as subject matter experts to support business initiatives including PR, sales, seminars, client events, business projects, and product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct differentiated macroeconomic and financial market research to inform strategic and tactical investment decisions.
• Produce high-impact research reports, investment commentaries, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain models to forecast key economic indicators (e.g., inflation, interest rates, growth) and assess their implications for asset prices.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers and strategists to translate economic views into actionable investment themes.
• Monitor global economic developments, central bank policy, and geopolitical risks, providing timely analysis and scenario frameworks.
• Represent the firm’s macroeconomic and market perspective in client meetings, conferences, and media engagements.
• Mentor junior economists and contribute to the intellectual leadership of the research function.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s-level training in Economics, Finance, or a related field, with a focus on macroeconomics, international trade/finance, or financial economics. Ph.D.-level training is a plus.
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in conducting research in relevant settings such as buy-side investment firm, sell-side research department, central bank, or think tank.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong quantitative skills.
  • Proficiency in modeling tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, or Julia.
  • Preferred:
    • Expertise in macro-econometrics and/or machine learning in macroeconomic forecasting.
    • Track record in utilizing alternative data sources in current analysis.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex economic ideas to investment professionals and clients.
• Research Application: Demonstrated ability to apply original research and learnings from the literature to real-world settings (i.e., current analysis, investment decisions).

Employment Details

• Employment Type: Full time
• Location Type: Hybrid
• Work Model: This role is part of our hybrid work model with Tuesdays – Thursdays required in our offices to foster collaboration and relationships. On Mondays and Fridays, our crew will have the option to work remotely, or continue working from our offices in Malvern PA.
• Relocation Assistance: Available for this role.
• Sponsorship: Vanguard is offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

• To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients.
• To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives.
• To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team.

From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.