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Investment Research – Specialist, Fixed Income

Marsh McLennan · Chicago, IL · $82,800–$165,600 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you changed your mind after gathering new evidence.

What they are checking: Intellectual honesty, which is central to objective manager research.

How are you using AI or quantitative tools to make research more efficient?

What they are checking: Comfort with technology-enabled tools, which the posting says the team embraces.

What would you do

What questions would you ask a portfolio manager to tell skill from luck?

What they are checking: Ability to probe for a repeatable process rather than a strong recent track record.

A manager you rated highly underperforms for two years. How do you decide whether to keep the rating?

What they are checking: Discipline in separating thesis failure from expected cyclical underperformance.

How would you write a research report that a client consultant can use in a committee meeting?

What they are checking: Clear, forward-looking writing that explains why Mercer believes in a strategy.

About the work

Walk me through how you would run due diligence on a core plus bond manager.

What they are checking: Structured research covering team, process, risk management, performance and fit.

How would you analyze a fixed income manager's returns to see where excess return came from?

What they are checking: Knowledge of attribution across duration, curve, sector, credit and security selection.

What does it mean for a strategy to outperform over a full market cycle, and why does Mercer care?

What they are checking: Understanding of long-horizon conviction rather than chasing short-term results.

What risks do you look for in a high-yield or private credit strategy that might not show up in the numbers?

What they are checking: Awareness of liquidity, leverage, concentration and valuation risks.

What is your view on the fixed income market right now, and how would it affect which managers you favor?

What they are checking: Current market understanding and its link to manager selection.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Marsh McLennan.

Company: Mercer Description: We are seeking a talented individual to join our Investment Fixed Income Manager Research Team at Mercer. This role will be based in Chicago, IL & Minneapolis, MN. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office. This is an opportunity to participate and undertake detailed due diligence of fixed income strategies, ultimately proposing strategies for Mercer's recommended list by synthesizing Mercer's view through a forward looking research report that articulates why Mercer believes a manager's strategy will outperform its respective benchmark over a full market cycle. In this role, you will have access to a wide variety of asset managers via participation in meetings. Investment Research – Specialist, Fixed Income We will count on you to: • Participate in and/or lead interviews with portfolio management teams and business leaders • Gather and analyze information in order to identify and communicate those asset managers that Mercer believes are most likely able to generate value for our clients • Thrive and be motivated by an environment that embraces AI and technology-enabled tools • Meet the needs of clients – including analytics and strategic research • As appropriate, attend external conferences to help develop technical knowledge and personal career • Conduct quantitative analysis by developing and maintaining relevant data, charts, summary views, and detailed analysis in support of our research ratings across various research documents. • Contribute to post meeting discussions covering key issues and recommended manager ratings. • Provide ad hoc support to consultants in preparing for internal and external research meetings. • Assist in the preparation for direct client discussions on managers/strategies. • As appropriate, contribute to the generation of Mercer’s intellectual capital within the fixed income asset class. • Contribute to revenue growth through direct research client projects as well as supporting the advisory and OCIO business. • Growth of personal skill set through working collaboratively with members on the team and interactions with asset managers and investment consultants • Opportunities to learn from a well-resourced research team and be supported along the way. • Gather and collate data from a variety of sources in a timely manner using appropriate methods to meet the specific information needs of consultants. What you need to have: • At least 3-5 years of applicable experience • BA/BS degree in finance, economics, or other business-related areas. • Intellectual curiosity, tenacity and willingness to take on new opportunities. • Willingness to learn. • Writing and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to synthesize and summarize complicated investment concepts into easy-to-read research reports is critical. • Analytical skills and attention to detail, ability to multi-task, manage multiple priorities and work in a rapidly changing environment. • Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft office. What makes you stand out: • CFA or MBA, or interest in pursuing • A background in asset manager due diligence or fixed income capital markets. Why join our team: • We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders. • We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities. • Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being. Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X. Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com. Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person. The applicable base salary range for this role is $82,800 to $165,600. The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives. We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.

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