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). Strong preference for in-person collaboration, with flexibility for exceptional remote candidates who can travel to NYC periodically. Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation

Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. Privacy and Pay Equity:

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State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
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