Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer, Vice President

About this role

Private Markets is one of the fastest growing asset classes in global financial markets, covering all investments asset classes like real estate, commodities, private equity, hedge funds, and private credit, that are not traded on public exchanges. Our group works within the Aladdin engineering department building machine learning solutions to facilitate private market investing at BlackRock, and for Aladdin clients.

Alts differs from other major asset classes as investment data generally comes in documents in semi or unstructured formats. Our job in the Data Science and Machine Learning group within Private Markets Systems, is to build the systems we need to gather data automatically and at scale and generate investment insights from these documents.

Our team was founded four years ago and forms a core component of BlackRock's strategy for expanding into Alts. Our remit covers both building out the foundational platforms and services we need to do ML at scale and building the models we need to derive investment insight from unstructured data. We are looking for people who are interested in working on the full ML technology stack, in one of the fastest-growing groups at BlackRock. 

About the role:

• Build foundational infrastructure services for applied ML at BlackRock.

• Write and deliver code to production standards

• Work with cutting edge opensource technologies 

• Build and/or deploy production standard ML models to solve real world financial problems

• Build/run in-house developed and third party ML models in production

• Deep learning research (Graph Neural Networks)

• Natural language processing (Semantic search, Generative LLMs)

• Datapoint extraction

• Develop novel methods to facilitate financial research from unstructured data.

• We are a research engineering group and you will be expected to develop and apply your own research ideas to our products

• You will have the chance to build novel systems based on cutting edge research.

About you

This is a varied role and we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds who have a deep understanding or experience in most of the following;

·         Programming skills (python and java highly desirable)

·         Solid theoretical background in Algebra, Statistics and Machine Learning

·         Specific Natural language Processing knowledge including:

• Large language models training and fine-tuning

• RAG search pipelines.

·         Working in a development group, dev ops, git etc.

·         Working with Linux systems

·         Service architectures, Docker, Kubernetes

·         Familiarity or experience with ElasticSearch/RESTful APIs

·         Experience in a research environment

·         A good degree in a quantitative discipline

For a Vice-President hire we will expect to see demonstrable workplace or academic leading experience.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.