2027 AlphaWise Summer Associate Program (New York)

AlphaWise Summer Associate Program

The AlphaWise Summer Associate Program is an intensive 10-week program that offers Summer Associates the opportunity to work alongside full-time professionals on impactful, quantitative projects. Summer Associates will be assigned to an internal team for the duration of the program. The team focuses on the financial industry’s thought leadership in equity and fixed-income investing and serves as a vital link between the Firm’s business divisions.

The program begins with a training and development curriculum covering the fundamental and professional skills needed to succeed. After an initial training period, AlphaWise Summer Associates are assigned to a quantitative, data-driven project, typically in collaboration with Equity Analysts, Strategists, and Economists in the Research Department. Networking opportunities and ongoing training are available throughout the program.

AlphaWise leads data and analytics in Research. As data becomes increasingly strategically important, AlphaWise enables both the “Offense” (generating new commercial opportunities) and the “Defense” (ensuring proper data use and risk management). The team also provides insights on market-moving events to the Firm’s traders and clients.

Responsibilities

Data Analytics & Modeling

• Explore, analyze, and develop models using market and alternative datasets in collaboration with Equity Analysts, Strategists, and Economists.
• Identify correlations among company/industry KPIs, valuations, multiples, and stock returns to generate predictive insights.
• Analyze trends and cycles to uncover key drivers of performance.
• Perform geospatial and demographic analysis.
• Conduct other forms of original and innovative research.

Alpha & Thematic Research

• Generate, brainstorm, and implement innovative ideas in Alpha research using advanced quantitative techniques combined with domain expertise.

Generative AI & NLP Applications

• Leverage GenAI and other NLP models to extract insights, automate workflows, and enhance research processes.

Collaboration & Ideation

• Actively source and test new research ideas, collaborating with cross-sector and Thematic research teams to expand research breadth and depth.

Communication

• Clearly articulate the rationale, methodology, and outcomes of research initiatives, producing deliverables in the form of presentations and research reports.

Qualifications / Skills / Requirements

• Education: Currently pursuing an advanced degree in Financial Engineering, Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Engineering, Quantitative Finance, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field, with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028.
• Quantitative Expertise: Solid academic foundation in mathematics and statistics. Familiarity with Generative AI (GenAI), NLP, and Machine Learning techniques is preferred but not required.
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python or one of the common programming languages such as C/C++, Java, R, or Matlab. Experience with q/KDB, SQL, visualization tools, and Office productivity suites is preferred but not required.
• Financial Knowledge: Demonstrated interest in financial markets. Exposure to equity factor models and fundamental research is a plus.
• Analytical Mindset: Creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to approach complex challenges from multiple perspectives.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration: Self-motivated and team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.

Application Process

• An online assessment is required for your application to be considered complete.
• Invitations to the online assessment will be sent to eligible candidates following the application close date in October.
• Applicants will have 1 hour to complete the online assessment.
• The exam must be completed within 48 hours of being sent.
• First-round interviews and superday interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
• For questions or competing deadlines regarding the application process, email: research_campusrecruiting@morganstanley.com.

Compensation

The expected base pay rate for the role will be $72.12 per hour at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short- and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.