Executive Director, AI Research — Private Assets R&D

MSCIs Private Assets R&D group develops the methodologies models and indexes underpinning MSCIs offerings across private equity private credit and private real assets. Drawing on data assets from the Burgiss IPD and RCA acquisitions the team serves the worlds leading institutional investors pension funds sovereign wealth funds endowments and asset managers.

You will join a senior research team at the forefront of bringing institutional-grade analytics to private markets. As Executive Director AI Research you will report directly to the Managing Director Head of Private Assets R&D and be responsible for the build-out of AI-native research capabilities across the group. You will collaborate closely with researchers product heads across private equity private credit and real assets and MSCIs technology and data engineering teams to translate AI research advances into scalable client solutions.

• Define and drive the AI research agenda for Private Assets R&D identifying where AI creates durable competitive advantage in private markets analytics
• Develop AI-driven approaches to evaluated pricing and comparable selection leveraging unstructured text financial filings and embedding-based similarity models
• Extend MSCIs nowcasting and cash flow forecasting capabilities using modern ML methods including LLM-based models with a focus on explainability for institutional clients
• Design and deploy agentic AI workflows and prototypes accelerating the path from research concept to client-facing product
• Automate high-value recurring research tasks including market commentary generation and model parameter re-estimation
• Represent Private Assets R&D in client engagements and through published research

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Computer Science Computational Science Statistics Mathematics or a related quantitative field
• 10 years of experience in applied AI/ML research or quantitative research with a track record of building and deploying models in production
• Deep expertise in Python and modern ML frameworks; hands-on experience with large language models retrieval-augmented generation and/or deep learning
• Proven ability to own a research agenda end-to-end from hypothesis through model development validation and client-ready delivery
• Strong communication skills able to present complex methodological concepts credibly to senior stakeholders and institutional clients
• Preferred: domain knowledge in private markets asset management or institutional investment analytics
• Preferred: experience with unstructured data (NLP document parsing web extraction) applied to financial problems
• Preferred: familiarity with agentic AI frameworks and rapid prototyping tools

What we offer you

• Salary range: $246000 - $320000 / year - Plus eligible for annual bonus
• Transparent compensation schemes and comprehensive employee benefits tailored to your location ensuring your financial security health and overall wellbeing.
• Flexible working arrangements advanced technology and collaborative workspaces.

• A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results.

• A global network of talented colleagues who inspire support and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients.

• Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey followed by access to our platform AI Learning Center LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development.

• Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges internal mobility and expanded roles.

• We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion belonging and connection including eight Employee Resource Groups. All Abilities Asian Support Network Black Leadership Network Climate Action Network Hola! MSCI Pride & Allies Women in Tech and Womens Leadership Forum.

At MSCI we are passionate about what we do and we are inspired by our vision to power better decisions. Youll be part of an industry-leading network of creative curious and entrepreneurial pioneers. This is a space where you can challenge yourself set new standards and perform beyond expectations for yourself our clients and our industry.

MSCI strengthens global markets by connecting participants across the financial ecosystem with a common language. Our research-based data analytics and indexes supported by advanced technology set standards for global investors and help our clients understand risks and opportunities so they can make better decisions and unlock innovation. We serve asset managers and owners private-market sponsors and investors hedge funds wealth managers banks insurers and corporates.

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race color religion creed age sex gender gender identity sexual orientation national origin citizenship disability marital and civil partnership/union status pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected parental leave) veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. MSCI is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process please email and indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. Please note this e-mail is intended only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation; it is not intended for other inquiries.

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