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 Requirements 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 Benefits • 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). 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