Research Associate (Tech-Focus)

About Sands Capital:

Sands Capital is an active, long-term investor in leading innovative growth businesses, globally. Our approach combines analytical rigor and creative thinking to identify high-quality growth businesses that are creating the future. Through an integrated investment platform spanning alternatives, growth equity and public equity, we provide growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors in more than 30 countries (detailed on our website www.sandscapital.com).

Position Summary:

Sands Capital is seeking a motivated Research Associate (“RA”) to perform general investment research and analysis. In this role, you will assist the Sr. Research Analyst in maintaining coverage of portfolio companies and evaluating new opportunities for investment within the technology sector.

The RA is typically expected to work for 2-4 years before either being considered for internal promotion based on performance and firm needs, or leaving for external opportunities.

Work Expectations: 

The work location for this role is Sands Capital’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia on a hybrid schedule of three days per week in-office (including Tuesdays and Wednesdays), or more as directed by your manager. The hybrid schedule is subject to change at any time.

Position Responsibilities:

The RA is expected to contribute to all aspects of the investment research process. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Building, maintaining, and updating detailed financial models and datasheets to support the investment decision-making process.


• Gathering and analyzing data from primary and secondary sources to uncover insights that add value to company and industry research.


• Drafting investment cases, research notes, and other communications that clearly convey our perspectives on companies and the industries in which they operate.


• Writing timely earnings notes following quarterly results.


• Preparing for and contributing to meetings with portfolio managers at Sands Capital, company management teams, industry experts, and others.


• Fostering a strong team dynamic by building collaborative relationships, communicating project priorities and progress, and contributing to a culture of transparency and excellence.


• Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s Mission, Values, and culture.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, preferably in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field, with a demonstrated record of strong academic performance.


• 1-3 years of experience analyzing businesses, either in sell-side research, investment banking, consulting, or an investment management role.


• Understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis, including 3-statement modeling.


• Expertise in Excel, PowerPoint, and FactSet or Bloomberg.


• Mandarin Chinese skills (spoken and reading) preferred.


• Familiarity with Claude Code preferred.


• Self-motivated nature, analytical mindset, strategic aptitude, and a positive, “can-do” attitude.


• Genuine and demonstrable passion for business analysis/investment research.


• Superior verbal and written communication skills.

Required Behavioral Characteristics:

The following are behavioral characteristics that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital: 

• Having impeccable integrity.


• Exhibiting superior client service skills (both internally and externally).


• Exhibiting strong interpersonal skills.


• Demonstrating a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, professional environment.


• Operating with a high degree of initiative, self-discipline, and motivation.


• Being able to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team, while also being able to work independently with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy.


• Assuming the best of others.


• Being motivated by a job well-done.

Sands Capital’s Values:

The following are values that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high-performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital:

• Integrity & Trust: Do what is right, not what is popular. Deliver on commitments.


• Client-Centered: Always act in the best interest of our clients.


• Commitment to Excellence: Strive to learn and improve. Implement best practices.


• Focus: Identify and concentrate on “what matters”.


• Long-Term Perspective: Appreciate that time allows sound decisions to demonstrate their worth. Avoid short-term thinking.


• Independent Thinking: Have the courage to develop and articulate your own convictions. Debate others openly and honestly.


• Teamwork: Collaborate to gather facts, develop perspective, build conviction, and support timely decision-making.


• Positive “Can-Do” Attitude: Demonstrate a willingness to tackle any task.


• Graciousness: Reflect kindness and courtesy at all times.


• Balance: Enjoy your work while balancing professional activities with interests beyond the firm.


• Meritocracy: Know that talent and achievement will drive your success at Sands Capital.

How to Apply:

Apply here: https://www.sandscapital.com/careers-and-staff-benefits/

Salary and Benefits:

The compensation for this role includes a base salary range of $105,000 to $120,000 (as determined by the candidate’s professional experience and relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities), as well as a discretionary, performance-based bonus. Bonus targets may vary by position and are based on both individual achievement as well as broader firm performance.

Sands Capital offers a generous benefits package, including medical insurance (which includes a discount vision program), dental insurance, life and personal accident insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent) as well as paid stock market (NYSE) holidays and vacation, sick, and parental leave. We also have a variety of generous miscellaneous benefits, such as a medical concierge service, health and wellness coaches, personal finance support, onsite massage therapy, and more.

Sands Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and staff members. For our staff members, equal opportunity includes access to the benefits and privileges that the firm provides to staff members generally. We appreciate the value diversity brings to Sands Capital and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff members.

We evaluate and select qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination of this kind is also strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state, and local laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Read more about equal employment opportunity on the EEOC’s website, found here.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant individuals, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals needing accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.