Research Lead - Agricultural Commodities

Join an innovative FinTech company at the forefront of agri-commodity risk management as they close their seed funding round and scale their team. You'll build and lead the research pipeline that powers bespoke price-hedging solutions for agricultural commodity supply chains where traditional market hedges don't exist.

This is a unique opportunity to shape cutting-edge research capabilities at the intersection of data science, agricultural economics, and market intelligence while working directly with the Head of Underwriting in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and lead comprehensive research pipeline combining quantitative analysis with market intelligence
• Develop long-term research projects with pathways to portfolio management implementation
• Conduct market intelligence by engaging directly with producers and industry participants
• Apply advanced statistical methods and machine learning to agricultural commodity markets
• Bridge quantitative research with real-world market dynamics and trading applications

Essential:

• Master's degree in Statistics/Data Science/ML, Agricultural Economics/Agronomy/Animal Science (exceptional Bachelor's candidates with demonstrated research ability considered)
• Experience in commodities, particularly animal proteins, animal byproducts (grease, tallow), biofuels, or agricultural commodities
• Strong technical skills: Python, SQL, Machine Learning/Statistics
• Proven ability to combine quantitative research with market intelligence
• Experience gathering insights beyond numerical data (producer interactions, supply chain understanding)
• Self-starting mindset with ability to work independently on complex, long-term projects

Preferred:

• PhD in relevant field
• Strong commodity research background
• Cloud computing and front-end development experience
• Background with major commodity research organizations or agricultural institutions

• Base Salary: $145,000 - $185,000 (flexibility for exceptional candidates)
• Bonus: Discretionary performance-based bonus
• Equity: Potential limited dilution opportunity (details to be defined)
• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Leave: Flexible annual leave, parental leave, and sick leave (trust-based policy)
• Location Flexibility: NYC preference with remote flexibility for exceptional candidates

What Makes This Role Special

• Research Leadership: Build world-class R&D capabilities from the ground up
• Cutting-Edge Insights: Gain unique perspectives into complex agriculture and global trade markets
• Entrepreneurial Impact: Shape company identity and research strategy at early stage
• Cross-Functional Integration: Direct pathway from research to trading implementation
• Market Innovation: Create research capabilities for underserved agricultural risk markets

Location & Work Arrangement

Primary location: New York, NY (co-working space). Strong preference for in-person collaboration, with flexibility for exceptional remote candidates who can travel to NYC periodically.

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