As reported elsewhere, the interview process was quite odd. After two rounds of interviews, no effort at contact was made.
The interview could be described as semi-hostile environment. During the panel stages, it seemed the participants wanted different things from the candidate. Peer analysts seemed upset to be involved in the process, as if they would rather no one be hired. They seemed difficult to work with on the best of days. Accompanying directors seemed bemused. The primary director was pleasant but seemed unsure if he wanted an analyst who was a researcher or a salesman.
Upon further investigation, none of the people in the department has a background in data analytics or statistics. The other analysts seemed to be very unfamiliar with basic analytical software suites and analysis. While the individuals from outside of the department were pleasant and accommodating, they too seemed unfamiliar with the overarching concepts.
None of the other firms I have worked with had similar interview experiences, past or present, and it was very shocking that the peers of the position were unfamiliar with undergraduate-level analytical measures. Considering the lower pay range being offered, the environment did not seem to be a positive benefit.