Sr. Quantitative Researcher

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Sr. Quantitative Researcher for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Insurance Services clients in Bridgewater, NJ.

This role focuses on designing and implementing mixed integer nonlinear optimization models to support portfolio construction, strategic and tactical asset allocation, and risk return optimization. You'll work at the intersection of quantitative finance, optimization theory, and large scale computation to build models that incorporate realistic investment constraints, nonlinear risk measures, and discrete allocation decisions.

Responsibilities :

• Develop MINLP models for portfolio allocation, including:
  • Cardinality constrained portfolios
  • Transaction cost modeling (fixed + nonlinear costs)
  • Nonlinear risk measures (e.g., downside risk, CVaR approximations, drawdown limits)
  • Discrete investment decisions (e.g., lot sizes, minimum/maximum holdings, leverage rules)
• Implement optimization models using Python (Pyomo, CVXPY, Gurobi interfaces), AMPL, GAMS, or JuMP.
• Apply global and local solvers (e.g., BARON, Couenne, SCIP, Knitro, Ipopt) to solve non convex allocation problems.
• Build custom heuristics, relaxations, or decomposition approaches to improve scalability for large universes.
• Integrate optimization models into portfolio management systems and backtesting frameworks.
• Conduct scenario analysis, stress testing, and sensitivity analysis on optimized portfolios.
• Collaborate with investment teams to translate portfolio constraints and investment policies into mathematical formulations.
• Document methodologies and present results to quantitative researchers, portfolio managers, and risk teams.

Required Skills :

• Strong background in optimization, quantitative finance, operations research, or applied mathematics.
• Experience with nonlinear programming, mixed integer programming, and global optimization.
• Proficiency in Python or Julia for modeling and data analysis.
• Familiarity with portfolio theory, risk modeling, and financial instruments.
• Ability to work with large datasets and high dimensional optimization problems.
• Understanding of convexity, duality, and numerical stability in optimization.

Preferred Skills :

• Graduate degree (MS/PhD) in a quantitative field.
• Multi period or stochastic asset allocation
• Robust optimization or scenario based modeling
• Machine learning driven return or risk forecasting
• Background in institutional investing, hedge funds, or asset management.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.

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