Role:  Quantitative Research Analyst (Data Modeling & Imputation)
Duration: 06 Months
Location: Boston MA 02111 & Chicago IL 60601 (Hybrid)
 
Core Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain end-to-end data pipelines across structured and unstructured datasets
• Develop imputation frameworks for missing or sparsely reported financial data (e.g., segment-level estimates, coverage gaps, timing mismatches)
• Design and implement data normalization and reconciliation logic across overlapping hierarchies (e.g., segments, geographies, entities)
• Perform data quality diagnostics, including coverage analysis, bias detection, and stability testing
• Partner with researchers to translate raw data into model-ready features
• Write efficient, reproducible code in Python and SQL for large-scale data processing
• Document methodologies clearly to ensure transparency and repeatability

Required Experience

• 2–5 years of experience in quantitative research, data science, or financial data engineering
• Strong expertise in data wrangling and transformation at scale (this is the core skill)
• Proven experience with missing data techniques and imputation methods (e.g., cross-sectional inference, time-series interpolation, model-based approaches)
• Advanced Python skills (pandas, numpy); strong SQL required
• Experience working with messy, real-world datasets (not just clean academic data)
• Solid grounding in statistics and econometrics
• Familiarity with equity markets and financial statements preferred

What We’re Actually Looking For

• You are an expert data wrangler — you know that 80% of the work is getting the data right
• You are skeptical of inputs and instinctively test for edge cases, leakage, and bias
• You understand that imputation is modeling, not a preprocessing afterthought
• You can balance statistical rigor with practical constraints (coverage vs. precision trade-offs)
• You write code that others can read, audit, and reuse

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Experience with NLP or unstructured data pipelines
• Exposure to alternative datasets (supply chain, transcripts, etc.)
• Familiarity with distributed compute environments (Databricks, Spark)

  
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 67.85/hr.