Equity Research Associate

About Sands Capital

Sands Capital is a globally focused active investor that backs innovative growth companies over the long term. The firm blends deep analysis with original thinking to identify high-quality businesses that are shaping the future. Its integrated platform covers alternatives, growth equity, and public equity, and it provides growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors across more than 30 countries.

Role Overview

Sands Capital is hiring a Research Associate to support investment research and analysis. The role works closely with the Senior Research Analyst to help cover portfolio companies and assess new investment ideas within the technology sector.

The associate is generally expected to stay in the role for 2 to 4 years, after which they may be considered for promotion internally depending on performance and business needs, or may move on to other opportunities externally.

Work Location and Schedule

This position is based at Sands Capital’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The expected schedule is hybrid, with three in-office days each week, including Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or more if requested by the manager. The company may change this schedule at any time.

Key Responsibilities

The associate will support the full investment research workflow, including financial analysis, data gathering, and communication of findings.

Qualifications

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, ideally in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a similar discipline, and should have a strong academic record. The role also requires 1 to 3 years of experience analyzing businesses in sell-side research, investment banking, consulting, or investment management.

Applicants should understand accounting concepts and financial analysis, including three-statement modeling. Strong command of Excel, PowerPoint, and either FactSet or Bloomberg is expected. Mandarin Chinese reading and speaking ability is preferred, and familiarity with Claude Code is also preferred.

The ideal candidate is self-driven, analytically strong, strategically minded, and brings a positive, can-do mindset. A clear interest in business analysis and investment research is essential, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Behavioral Expectations

Sands Capital places high value on integrity, client service, interpersonal effectiveness, discipline, initiative, teamwork, independence, accuracy, and a strong commitment to quality work. Candidates should be able to collaborate well, work independently when needed, and remain motivated in a demanding professional environment.

Company Values

The firm emphasizes integrity and trust, client-centered decision-making, commitment to excellence, focus, long-term thinking, independent judgment, teamwork, a positive attitude, graciousness, balance, and meritocracy.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary for this role ranges from $105,000 to $120,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and the relevance of their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The role also includes a discretionary, performance-based bonus, with targets that may vary by position and are influenced by individual and firm performance.

Benefits include medical insurance with a vision discount program, dental coverage, life and personal accident insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care, paid NYSE holidays, vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and additional perks such as a medical concierge service, wellness coaching, personal finance support, onsite massage therapy, and more.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

Sands Capital is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or other protected characteristics under applicable law. The company also supports reasonable accommodations for pregnant individuals, people with disabilities, and those who need accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a resume that clearly shows how their background fits the role. Applications should be submitted through Sands Capital’s careers page under Professional Opportunities. The company also references its FAQ section for more information about the hiring process and any skills assessments that may be required.

Additional Notes

The job is intended for a professional full-time employee and is based onsite in Arlington with a hybrid schedule. The role is associated with a typical 2 to 4 year tenure before possible promotion consideration or external transition.