Research Director Role

The Position
We seek to hire the best and brightest candidates with a doctoral degree (or expecting a doctoral degree) in Economics, Urban Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Computational Mathematics, or Computer Science for the role of Research Director at the TerraCotta Lab, a research and methodology development hub within the TerraCotta Group (TerraCotta).

You will be working with a team of ambitious researchers from various disciplines to transform the industry of commercial real estate (CRE) credit, a $4 trillion marketplace where the incumbent approach is archaic. TerraCotta Lab is led by firm’s visionary founder, Tingting Zhang, who has a PhD in Economics.

You will apply your educational training to solve some of the most challenging problems in CRE credit investment. Your efforts will be supported by cutting-edge analytical tools and a very large data warehouse that the firm has curated over the years. Your research and system/methodology innovation will be tested and applied in TerraCotta’s investment processes in short loops.In addition, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the most accomplished minds in the CRE credit space from around the world, through the firm’s various external academic and business collaborations.

 

The Company
Founded in 2004, TerraCotta Group (TerraCotta) is a private investment firm that specializes in middle-market commercial real estate (CRE) credit. TerraCotta has a proven investment track record of delivering superior and stable returns across all market cycles, with no principal loss in any of its credit investments since its inception. TerraCotta’s investor base includes some of the largest and most sophisticated institutional investors in the world, including public pensions, global asset managers, endowment and single- and multi- family offices.

TerraCotta has pioneered the use of quantitative methods in commercial real estate (CRE) credit investments. TerraCotta’s proprietary, recession-tested, and data-driven methodology leverages a unique blend of extensive real estate credit experience and predictive data analytics. It borrows insights from the discipline of Economics and utilizes classical statistical models and modern AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms to systematically uncover, analyze, quantify, and mitigate risks inherent to real estate credit.

 

The Culture
TerraCotta offers a collegial and merit-based environment. We are governed by a culture that values intellectual honesty, a passion for learning, an unwavering commitment to the highest academic standards, and a strong belief in the application of quantitative methods in private investments. On a daily basis, we explore new frontiers, learn together from our successes and failures, and, step by step, make a substantive, game-changing impact on CRE credit investment through an inter-disciplinary approach. Joining the TerraCotta team is a unique opportunity for the right candidate – a high-growth company with the track record of an established firm, a merit-based and hardworking culture and a welcoming but fast-paced work environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking.

 

Responsibilities
Among others, the following is a partial list of your daily responsibilities:

  • Lead and participate in various research projects that explore and test hypotheses, using various quantitative methods;
  • Present the results of projects to the Lab and investment team for potential inclusion of the findings, algorithms, and technical innovations in the investment system;
  • Liaise between the investment teams and the data engineering team;
  • Liaise between TerraCotta team and external Joint Venture partners on certain research projects;
  • Attend conferences related to our pursuit; and
  • Write white papers and thought pieces.

 

Characteristics, Skills, and Education
We are looking for individuals with exceptional talent, an entrepreneurial spirit, an appetite for problem solving, and a desire to innovate and achieve excellence.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualities:

  • Drive for bridging the worlds of theory and practice, and making a tangible impact in the CRE credit space;
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • ‘Quick loops’ and ‘Roll up your sleeves’ mindset;
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills;
  • A strong sense of curiosity, desire to learn continuously, and expand one’s horizons;
  • Advanced skills in modern analytical tools and techniques; and
  • A Ph.D. in Economics, Urban Economics, Data Science, Computational Mathematics, or affiliated area – candidates who are working on their theses are also encouraged to apply.