Quantitative Researcher – Algorithmic Trading

Job Description

• Apply advanced quantitative methods to solve problems in financial modeling, algorithm development, and system optimization.
• Collaborate with traders and developers to improve a complex, evolving algorithmic trading infrastructure.
• Design and implement tools for traders, explore new trading ideas, and refine existing strategies.
• Build, test, and maintain automated trading algorithms and risk management logic from scratch.
• Analyze and optimize system performance, including latency, stability, and execution quality.
• Conduct historical research and back-tests using large data sets and database tools.
• Communicate market developments, model behavior, and research insights to traders and other stakeholders.
• For modeling-focused work: design automated market-making and risk management algorithms, and build statistically driven position-taking strategies.
• For execution-focused work: perform post-trade analysis, investigate system behavior, optimize algorithm parameters, study market microstructure, and drive execution system improvements.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of full-time, professional experience in a quantitative research, trading, or high-performance technology role, ideally at an algorithmic trading firm or similar environment.
• Degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Ability to write and maintain clean, organized, object-oriented Python code; C++ experience is a plus.
• Proven experience in at least one of the following: options and volatility modeling, statistical analysis on large data sets, or diagnosing and optimizing algorithm logic in latency-sensitive or high-throughput distributed systems.
• Expertise working with MySQL or similar databases for historical research and back-testing.
• Passion for innovation and solving open-ended, data-rich problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical ideas clearly.
• Collaborative attitude with a competitive drive and comfort with metrics-based performance evaluation.
• Practical, production-focused mindset with a track record of delivering impactful solutions.
• Ability to work on-site in the Chicago office on a full-time basis.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive base salary in the 155,000 to 190,000 range, plus annual discretionary performance bonus.
• Top-tier medical and dental coverage, along with additional benefits.
• Relocation assistance package if you are moving to Chicago.
• Generous vacation policy and ongoing training and continuing education opportunities.
• Catered lunch, snacks, and beverages provided daily.
• Regular group outings, company events, and a casual dress environment.
• High-impact, low-politics culture that rewards curiosity, continuous improvement, and measurable results.

JPC-517

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Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance