The Credit Research Initiative (CRI) team of the NUS Risk Management Institute invites PhD candidates/holders from quantitative disciplines to apply for its Research Fellowship. The successful candidates are expected to join the CRI Development Team.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Conducting individual research for journal publications on credit risk management, financial modelling and empirical analyses.
• Participating in the CRI operations in terms of model development/validation, data production, system enhancement and knowledge dissemination.
• Participating in the consulting projects for external parties (e.g. bespoke model development/validation).

The CRI is committed to achieving academic excellence and practical relevance. Over the course of its developments, it has produced top-tier original research and has helped a number of corporates, financial institutions and international organizations to solve real-world problems. For example, the CRI right now collaborates with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in multiple projects. Its Bottom-up Default Analysis (BuDA) toolbox has been applied in a number of IMF stability assessments in various national contexts with rich policy implications.

Requirements:

• A PhD candidate/holder from a quantitative discipline, e.g. Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, etc. The successful candidate is expected to obtain his/her PhD degrees at the time of appointment.
• Someone who intends to do good research and strives to have a real-world impact.
• Someone with great curiosity in the unknowns and the capability to learn fast.
• A team player comfortable working with a diverse team in a multi-cultural environment.
• Someone who has strong sense of responsibility and is resilient when faced with challenges.
• Someone with good oral and written communication skills.

 

Applicants should submit their applications electronically to rmillke@nus.edu.sg. Your application should include:

• Application Form;
• NUS Personal Data Consent for Job Applicants;
• A detailed CV including publications;
• A statement of future research plan and samples of research work;
• Two reference letters.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Be part of a dynamic team in analysing risk in today’s financial markets. An opportunity exists to join the Risk Management Institute (RMI) as a Research Analyst / Associate in the Credit Research Initiative. You will compute and publish probabilities of default (PD) of listed firms globally based on RMI’s quantitative model, and contribute to the on-going research and development of the model. This is a cross-functional role that requires the exploration of different dimensions of risk management. It will challenge successful applicants and is a great learning and development opportunity.

Career Benefits:

• Gain a detailed understanding of a cutting-edge quantitative credit risk model being pioneered by NUS RMI under the Credit Research Initiative (CRI).
• Further your knowledge in quantitative modeling and financial analysis.
• Gain experience in emerging technologies (e.g. cloud/grid computing, GPU computing, FPGA).
• Benefit from a world-class research environment at the forefront of credit risk, with a motivated research team a well-established network.

Successful applicant can look forward to join one of the team(s) below.

1. IT & Data Management Team

The IT & Data Management Team (IDMT) acts as a backbone to the Credit Research Initiative (CRI) at the Risk Management Institute of National University of Singapore. The main function of IDMT is to make available the IT infrastructure and databases up and running at their best at all times to all its internal users.

IDMT consists of IT administration and data management. The IT administration team's tasks include server maintenance to database installation so as to provide optimal system performance. The Data management team takes care of all the data related needs at CRI, which acts as a data provider to all the other teams working under CRI.

Through working with other teams, you may also learn quantitative modelling, mathematical algorithms and general programming skills utilized on the frontier of CRI’s credit risk research. Interacting with the Market Monitoring Team (MMT), which is watching over the global credit markets daily, will likely provide you with their valuable insights beyond quantitative figures.

1.1 Research Analyst/Associate (Web Developer)

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

You will be responsible for designing/implementing new modules for the Credit Research Initiative website depending on project requirements apart from maintenance. You strive to create friendly and easy-to-understand user interfaces/workflows that integrate well with our website.

Requirements:

• Good programming skills with experience designing and building web and/or mobile applications.
• A strong sense of craftsmanship and a desire to create the best software.
• Technical Experience with one or more of the following is essential:
  • Python, Django, Java, C#, or C++
  • JavaScript, or JavaScript MVC frameworks
  • MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL or MongoDB
  • Git or SVN
  • Apache
• Experiences with the following would be a plus:
  • Linux and scripting
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Docker
  • Web security hardening
  • Work Experience with Web development life cycle /Joel Test
• A keen interest to try out new technology.

1.2 Research Analyst/Associate in the IT Administration Team (IT Analyst)

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Ensure server performance and maintain applications on servers such as Apache, MySQL and Microsoft SQL;
• Problem solving and documentation of current and new servers in both physical and virtual environments such as Amazon AWS;
• Perform and oversee the continuous system health checks, security hardening, access management, application of patches;
• Provide technical support to troubleshoot server and network issues;
• Plan, deploys, and documents new servers, printers, devices, and IT relevant services;
• Assist in planning and deployment of disaster recovery procedures;
• Assist senior IT administrator in projects or activities and other ad-hoc duties as assigned;
• Assist with the acquisition and directs the installation of new IT equipment and software systems.

Requirements:

• A minimum in Polytechnic Diploma (preferably Bachelor's degree or above) in the area of Computer Science, Information System Management or similar discipline;
• Solid knowledge with Windows and Linux Servers, Server Operations, Server applications;
• Experience in Database administration with MSSQL, MySQL is a plus;
• Skilled in Server hardware troubleshooting and configuration;
• Demonstrated competencies with Backup Strategies such as NAS, Backup software and SVN;
• Demonstrated competencies with PCs and associated software;
• Commitment to continual development of technical skillsets and knowledge sharing;
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Quick response in case of emergencies.

1.3 Research Analyst/Associate in the Data Management Team (Database Developer)

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

Database Development and Maintenance

• Importing data from various financial sources (Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, etc.) into the database.
• Analyzing, cleaning and de-duping data.
• Transforming source data into standardized formats for inclusion in the master database.
• Designing and developing using database management systems and related platforms and tools (e.g., MS SQL Server, SSIS, T-SQL, etc.) and stored procedures that fulfil the technical and business requirements.
• Validating processed results generated on a daily/monthly basis.
• Perform ad-hoc data related tasks as requested by other researchers.

Database Administration

• Perform database query optimization.
• Identifying and correcting issues relating to database performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Perform regular database backups.
• Perform index maintenance.

Requirements:

• Strong knowledge in SQL and significant experience working with one or more relational databases, preferably Microsoft SQL Server.
• Knowledge and experience with various data transfer formats such as csv, xlsx, etc.
• Knowledge of at-least one ETL tool preferably SSIS.
• Experience in programming with Python would be a plus, although not a requirement.
• Possess strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Possess strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills.
• Must be a keen learner, proactive in nature and possess a strong sense of responsibility.

This is a data intensive work activity and requires someone who genuinely enjoys working with data and the challenge of managing a live database. The work largely consists of interactive use of SQL to perform standard ETL processes.

 

2. Product Management Team

The Product Management Team (PMT) manages various credit risk products, playing the key role in the Credit Research Initiative (CRI) at the Risk Management Institute of National University of Singapore. Through working with our teams, you will quickly learn the modelling approaches, mathematical algorithms and programming skills utilized on the frontier of CRI’s credit risk research. You will also have the opportunity to work with/learn from other teams; for example, the Market Monitoring Team (MMT), which is watching over the global credit markets daily, could provide you their valuable insights beyond quantitative figures. You will also have ample opportunities to learn from the IT & Data Management Team useful IT and database knowledge.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Improving scientific computation of credit risk measures such as Distance to Default (DtD), Probability of Default (PD) and Actuarial Spread (AS),
• Developing production system of credit risk management tools such as stress testing/scenarios analysis,
• Examining and reporting the quality of products.

Requirements:

• A minimum in Bachelor’s degree (preferably a Master’s degree or equivalent) in the area of finance, economics, statistics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics or similar discipline.
• Familiar with Matlab. One with experiences in C++ or R is also welcome to apply but will be requested to pick up Matlab when on board.
• Knowledge in Python, SQL and Bloomberg Terminal would be a plus.
• Strong analytical technics and problem solving mindset.
• Able to work independently and across different teams.
• Possess strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills.
• Must be a keen learner and proactive in nature.

 

3. Market Monitoring Team

The Market Monitoring Team under the Credit Research Initiative (CRI) in the Risk Management Institute of the National University of Singapore is a window to continually observe financial markets and carry relevant studies by using proprietary methods, aiming at promoting and improving CRI’s products. The main task is doing research on industries and companies with investment and credit analysis, implementing market surveillance and working on projects with other teams.

You will have ample opportunities to improve your writing and analytical skills. Through working with other teams, you will also learn quantitative modelling and acquire useful IT and database knowledge preparing you to become a better functioning analyst who can leverage modern analytical tools.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Conduct fundamental research and write credit/investment research reports on companies and industries in a timely manner.
• Carry out market surveillance by browsing media and official websites, finding out credit vents in accordance with CRI’s credit event definition, creating credit event data in the database, etc.
• Initiate and manage inter-team projects.
• Deal with urgent, ad-hoc requests from supervisors.

Requirements:

• Be meticulous and responsible for routine works.
• Academic background or industry experience of any of the following subjects is preferred: finance, accounting, economics, banking, business strategy, and business law. Certification of CFA or CPA is a plus. Candidates working in non-financial industry are also welcome.
• Be good at Excel modelling, financial analysis and spoken/written English.
• Good team player with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Able to independently write and edit financial research reports.
• Able to coordinate and manage group projects between teams.
• Able to handle pressure and meet deadlines.

 

4. Client Services Team

The Client Services Team bridges the gap between the Credit Research Initiative (CRI) team in the Risk Management of National University of Singapore and external users and clients by offering tailored solutions to suit their needs. The candidate is expected to be open to the idea of developing a comprehensive understanding of CRI’s models/database and their applications. As a member in the Client Services Team, you will need to work closely with other teams to better support our clients. You will quickly gain knowledge to the CRI services, as well as learn how to handle client inquiries.

Through working with other teams, you may also learn quantitative modelling, mathematical algorithms and general programming skills utilized on the frontier of CRI’s credit risk research. Interacting with the Market Monitoring Team (MMT), which is watching over the global credit markets daily, will provide you with their valuable insights beyond quantitative figures. If working in a dynamic and exciting environment appeals to you, please do not hesitate to join us.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Be familiar with CRI models, data and services.
• Coordinate well with other teams to provide prompt and efficient services to clients.
• Build good relationship with clients and to provide value-added services.
• Handle ad-hoc projects and clients’ inquiries.

Requirements:

• Academic background of the following subjects is preferred: finance, economics, business or related discipline. Candidates working in financial industry are also welcome.
• Work experiences in business development/ sales/ marketing or consulting are a plus.
• Proficient in spoken/written English. Native English speaker is preferred. Candidates who achieved score of 7 for IELTS or 100 for TOFEL iBT are also welcome.
• Experience in project management.
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possess strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills.
• A good team player with a strong sense of responsibility.
• High efficiency, and able to manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Must be a keen learner and proactive in nature.
• Be creative, innovative and have entrepreneurship.
• Proficient in Microsoft product suite, knowledge in VBA, MATLAB is a plus.

 

5. Validation Team

The Validation Team under the Credit Research Initiative (CRI) in the Risk Management Institute of National University of Singapore plays an important role of independent validation of model implementation/development and data collection/treatment to ensure high quality of the CRI system. The work of the Validation Team includes conducting both routine and ad-hoc examination, and providing critical review of conceptual and performance aspects of CRI’s products.

Through working with our teams, you will quickly learn the modelling approaches, mathematical algorithms and programming skills utilized on the frontier of CRI’s credit risk research. You will also have the opportunity to work with/learn from other teams; for example, the Market Monitoring Team (MMT), which is watching over the global credit markets daily, could provide you their valuable insights beyond quantitative figures. You will also have ample opportunities to learn from the IT & Data Management Team useful IT and database knowledge.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Control the quality of CRI daily operation.
• Enhance the existing validation process.
• Report suspicious issues and suggest potential improvements.
• Independently assess new credit risk products and new system functionalities.
• Efficient communications and collaboration with other CRI teams.

Requirements:

• Proactive attitude, strong sense of responsibility and good communication skills.
• Independent thinker and fast learner, meticulous and sensitive to numbers.
• Familiarity with programming language such as MATALB or C++; Experience in SQL or VBA would be a plus.
• Strong interest and working knowledge in credit risk analysis.
• Any discipline with substantial quantitative component is preferred, such as Statistics, Mathematics, Quantitative Finance, Financial Engineering, etc.

 

Applicants should submit their applications electronically to rmillke@nus.edu.sg. Kindly indicate the team you are interested in applying for in your application. Your application should include:

• Application Form;
• NUS Personal Data Consent for Job Applicants;
• A detailed CV;
• Cover letter.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

The Credit Research Initiative (CRI) in the Risk Management Institute of National University of Singapore offers internships to highly motivated students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, who want to acquire work experience and advanced knowledge on credit risk management. CRI is a balanced combination of scientific research and business services. Over the course of its developments, it has produced top-tier original research and has helped a number of corporates, financial institutions and international organizations to solve real-world problems. For example, the CRI right now collaborates with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in multiple projects. Its Bottom-up Default Analysis (BuDA) toolbox has been applied in a number of IMF stability assessments in various national contexts with rich policy implications.

Interns will have ample opportunities to develop marketable skills. Through working with different quantitatively oriented teams, you will have opportunities to learn quantitative modelling, mathematical algorithms and general programming skills utilized on the frontier of CRI’s credit risk research and services. You may also develop valuable market insights as part of the Market Monitoring Team (MMT), which is watching over the global credit markets daily. As a member of the Client Services Team, you get to interact with industry professionals through various tasks in supporting the CRI clients. If working/learning in a dynamic and exciting environment appeals to you, please do not hesitate to join us.

1. Development Team

The Development Team continuously improves CRI’s in-house models and develops new applications. The job scope ranges from data collection, data analysis, modeling, reading academic literature, gathering empirical evidence from various sources, writing reports, and collaborating with other teams on certain projects.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Using the Bloomberg terminal with the RMI-CRI database to gather data of interest.
• Help with data cleaning and conduct basic data analysis.
• Look for data, news, and research reports from alternative sources, and the ability to convey the main ideas to the team members.
• Refine models and write reports.

Requirements:

• Be a self-starter who is willing to touch on various aspects of the assigned work.
• Have working knowledge of Bloomberg terminal and SQL database management, or be able to learn in a short period of time.
• Be thoughtful, careful and mindful of details.
• Have good writing and communication skills.

 

2. Market Monitoring Team

The Market Monitor Team under the Credit Research Initiative (CRI) is a window to continually observe financial markets and carry relevant studies by using proprietary methods, aiming at promoting and improving CRI’s products. The main task for interns is assisting full-time analysts in terms of market surveillance, writing reports, data collection, and collaborating with other teams, etc.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Carry out market surveillance by browsing media and official websites, finding out credit events in accordance with CRI’s credit event definition, entering credit event data in the database, etc.
• Follow crucial market news and assist in writing weekly, quarterly and other special reports on credit market issues.
• Deal with urgent and/or ad-hoc requests from supervisors.

Requirements:

• Be meticulous and responsible for routine works.
• Have an academic background or industry experience of any of the following subjects: finance, accounting, economics, banking, business strategy, and business law, etc.
• Be good at Excel modeling, financial analysis and written English.
• Have a proven ability to independently write and edit financial research reports.
• Be strongly interested in the fields of investment/ credit/ risk management analysis in the future career.
• Being multilingual will be a plus.

 

3. Product Management Team

The Product Management Team (PMT) manages various credit risk products, playing the key role in CRI.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Assist to improve production system of credit risk management tools.
• Assist to improve scientific computation of credit risk measures such as Distance to Default (DTD), Probability of Default (PD) and Actuarial Spread (AS).
• Assist to analyse and examine the quality of CRI’s credit risk products.
• Duty roster for daily update of PD and AS using up-to-date market data.

Requirements:

• A keen learner, proactive in nature and possess a strong sense of responsibility.
• Strong interest in credit risk analysis.
• Independent thinker and a fast learner.
• Familiarity with MATALB; Experience in SQL or VBA would be a plus.

 

Interested applicants, please email your application to Ms Eve Liew at eveliew@nus.edu.sg

We regret that only short listed candidates will be notified.