Equity Research Associate - Biotechnology - TD Bank : Job Details

Equity Research Associate

TD Cowen, a division of TD Securities, is looking for an Equity Research Associate to join its Healthcare, Biotechnology team in New York.

Equity Research Analysts follow the progress of public biotechnology companies and make stock recommendations to institutional investor clients. Job tasks include financial modeling, interviews with physician experts and company managements, conducting surveys, literature reviews, hosting industry conferences, writing reports and making oral presentations.

The successful candidate will support a Senior Research Analyst in analyzing individual biotech companies and market trends; composing company-specific and thematic research reports; building and maintaining financial and market models; interviewing physicians and company executives; conducting deep scientific and clinical due diligence; and interacting with Cowen's institutional sales force, traders, investment bankers, and investor clients.

Note from Cowen associates with life science/ M.D. and/or Ph.D. backgrounds: What we find especially appealing about the job is that it involves acquiring expertise in a broad range of disciplines, both scientific (gaining in-depth knowledge of therapeutic areas pursued by covered companies, drug mechanisms and their associated safety/efficacy profiles, clinical trial design strategies, etc.) and non-scientific (analyzing intellectual property, financial status, market opportunities, etc.). This position is one of just a handful in which former physicians and scientists can apply their healthcare expertise to the art of investing. The product of our work is first and foremost good investment ideas. The position is a unique combination of science, medicine, and finance. It may be ideal for a person with passion in these areas.

Depth & Scope

• Expert level professional role requiring in-depth knowledge/expertise in own domain/field of specialty and working knowledge of broader related areas to run data analysis and develop research reports
• Integrates the broader organizational and industry context into advice and solutions
• Solves complex problems requiring analysis of multiple variables, which may require consultation with multiple stakeholders
• Uses advanced methods to contribute to new solutions and recommend standards against which others will operate
• Interprets guidelines, standards, policies, and results of analysis to inform decision making at senior levels
• Builds stakeholder alignment in leading activities, identifying, and leading problem resolution
• Works independently as a subject matter expert within own area of specialty and act as an escalation point and/or knowledge resource for others

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate degree
• Holds or is working towards a CFA designation preferred for publishing analysts and associates
• Masters or PhD preferred
• 2+ years related experience

Preferred Requirements

• Exceptional academic pedigree, including a higher degree in a life science-related field (PhD and/or M.D.)
• MBA or CFA a plus
• Outstanding analytical skills. Ability to do deep primary research, analyze and draw conclusions from information
• Hard work ethic, attention to detail, analytical, curious, optimistic, tenacious with a desire to learn about the bio-pharmaceutical industry
• Passion for investing
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work well on teams, self-motivated, showing initiative, and a willingness to work hard

Customer Accountabilities

• Compiles, analyzes, and evaluates data, conducting modeling on multiple data inputs related to assigned companies/industries and/or financial markets and economic analysis research reports (e.g., initiating coverage reports, thematic reports, quarterly reporting initiatives, and marketing packages)
• Assists in the development of valuation tools and provides advice to institutional clients
• Assists in the preparation of forecasting models (e.g., forecast quarterly and annual earnings)
• Maintains and enhances financial models and databases
• Stays current on market data, economic information, and key industry developments as well as internal policies and regulatory standards (as communicated by Compliance) to assist in maximizing profitability through sound and well-informed decisions
• Develops and maintains contact with market participants
• Works closely with senior research leads on the ongoing publication of research reports and may assist with ad hoc projects as assigned
• May have interaction with clients; develops and presents client presentations

Shareholder Accountabilities

• Keeps abreast of market data, economic information, and key industry developments, as well as internal policies and regulatory standards (as communicated by Compliance) at all times to assist in maximizing profitability through sound and well-informed decisions; develop and maintain contacts with market participants
• Demonstrates governance, control, and risk management behaviors in alignment with TD policies and practices
• Adheres to enterprise frameworks or methodologies that relate to activities for our business area
• Ensures respective programs/policies/practices are well managed, meets business needs, complies with internal and external requirements, and aligns with business priorities
• Consistently exercises discretion in managing correspondence, information, and all matters of confidentiality; escalate issues where appropriate
• Participates in cross-functional/enterprise initiatives as a subject matter expert helping to identify risk/provide guidance for complex situations
• Conducts internal and external research projects; support the development/delivery of presentations and communications to management or broader audience
• Conducts meaningful analysis at the functional or enterprise level using results to draw conclusions, make recommendations, assess the effectiveness of programs/policies/practices
• Monitors service, productivity, and assess efficiency levels within own function and implement continuous process/performance improvements where opportunities exist
• Actively manages relationships within and across various business lines, corporate, and/or control functions and ensures alignment with enterprise and/or regulatory requirements
• Maintains a culture of risk management and control, supported by effective processes in alignment with risk appetite

Employee/Team Accountabilities

• Participates fully as a member of the team, support a positive work environment that promotes service to the business, quality, innovation, and teamwork, and ensure timely communication of issues/points of interest
• Provides thought leadership and/or industry knowledge for own area of expertise and participate in knowledge transfer within the team and business unit
• Keeps current on emerging trends/developments and grow knowledge of the business, related tools, and techniques
• Participates in personal performance management and development activities, including cross training within own team
• Keeps others informed and up to date about the status/progress of projects and/or all relevant or useful information related to day-to-day activities
• Contributes to team development of skills and capabilities through mentorship of others, by sharing knowledge and experiences and leveraging best practices
• Leads, motivates, and develops relationships with internal and external business partners/stakeholders to develop productive working relationships
• Contributes to a fair, positive, and equitable environment that supports a diverse workforce
• Acts as a brand ambassador for your business area/function and the bank, both internally and/or externally

Physical Requirements

Never: 0%; Occasional: 1-33%; Frequent: 34-66%; Continuous: 67-100%

• Domestic Travel Occasional
• International Travel Never
• Performing sedentary work Continuous
• Performing multiple tasks Continuous
• Operating standard office equipment - Continuous
• Responding quickly to sounds Occasional
• Sitting Continuous
• Standing Occasional
• Walking Occasional
• Moving safely in confined spaces Occasional
• Lifting/Carrying (under 25 lbs.) Occasional
• Lifting/Carrying (over 25 lbs.) Never
• Squatting Occasional
• Bending Occasional
• Kneeling Never
• Crawling Never
• Climbing Never
• Reaching overhead Never