Data Specialist (Analyst, Risk & Quant Analytics)

About the role

Polymer Capital Management is seeking a detail‑oriented Data Specialist to join its Data Platform team. The role focuses on evaluating, acquiring, and onboarding datasets that support quantitative research and investment strategies across the firm’s hedge fund operations.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison between investment teams, technology teams, and external data vendors.
• Partner with portfolio managers and quantitative researchers to capture data requirements for alpha generation.
• Identify, evaluate, and conduct due‑diligence on new market, fundamental, and alternative datasets.
• Assess dataset coverage, historical depth, timeliness, completeness, consistency, and point‑in‑time availability.
• Analyze dataset structure, delivery methods, and integration requirements for operational feasibility.
• Coordinate proof‑of‑concept exercises and vendor evaluations.
• Support technology teams in onboarding approved datasets into the firm’s data platform.
• Maintain accurate data inventories, vendor performance records, and usage metrics.
• Contribute to data governance, documentation, and quality monitoring processes.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Financial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• 1‑3 years of experience in data operations, data analysis, research support, or a similar function.
• Understanding of financial market data, alternative data, and their role in quantitative investment research.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with investment professionals, technology teams, and external vendors.

Required skills

• Python
• SQL
• Databases and cloud‑based data platforms
• APIs and common data formats