Quantitative Researcher – Commodity Futures | Systematic Macro | Hedge Fund

Tempest Vane Partners; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Tempest Vane Partners is seeking a Quantitative Researcher to join our Systematic Macro Futures team in London. You will develop strategies across commodity futures markets and collaborate with experts in research, portfolio management and engineering to turn ideas into live trading signals.

The role emphasizes original thinking, rigorous research and robust empirical testing, with strong Python skills and a track record of producing predictive signals in macro markets.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, engineering or a related quantitative field.
• Strong quantitative research experience in systematic investing; commodity futures preferred but macro markets ok.
• Track record of generating original research ideas and predictive signals with empirical testing.
• Strong statistical modelling and time-series skills; awareness of overfitting and data leakage.
• Proficiency in Python and handling large datasets; clear communication of research findings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original quantitative research to identify trading signals across commodity futures (energy, metals, agriculture).
• Explore predictability using market, fundamental and alternative data sources and futures curves.
• Develop and back-test strategies using statistics and machine learning; test robustness across periods.
• Assess signal contribution to portfolio diversification, risk, liquidity and costs.
• Collaborate with Researchers, PMs and Engineers to productionise ideas and refine strategies.

Skills

Python programming

Time-series analysis

Quantitative research

Original research ideas

Education

Master’s or PhD in Mathematics/Statistics/Physics/CS/Engineering or related quantitative discipline

Job description

My client is a highly successful global investment management business with a long-standing focus on systematic investing and quantitative research. They are seeking a Quantitative Researcher to join their Systematic Macro Futures team, with a particular focus on developing strategies across commodity futures markets.

The team welcomes researchers with direct commodities experience, as well as those from other systematic macro markets, including Rates, FX and Equity Indices. The emphasis is on original thinking, rigorous research and the ability to turn compelling ideas into robust trading strategies.

What You'll Get

• The opportunity to develop commodity futures strategies within an established systematic investment business, with scope to make a direct contribution to investment performance.
• Close collaboration with experienced Quantitative Researchers, Portfolio Managers and Engineers in an environment built around scientific enquiry and empirical evidence.
• Access to extensive datasets and sophisticated research infrastructure to support the development, testing and implementation of original ideas.
• The opportunity to deepen your commodities expertise while drawing on research approaches and insights from across global macro markets.
• A highly competitive base salary, performance-related bonus and comprehensive benefits package.

What You'll Do

• Conduct original quantitative research to identify and develop systematic trading signals across commodity futures, including energy, metals and agricultural markets.
• Investigate sources of predictability using market, fundamental and alternative data, exploring relationships between prices, inventories, supply and demand, seasonality and futures curves.
• Develop and back-test strategies using statistical and machine learning techniques, assessing robustness across markets, time periods and market conditions.
• Evaluate how signals contribute to the wider portfolio, accounting for diversification, risk, liquidity, transaction costs and futures contract implementation.
• Work closely with Researchers, Portfolio Managers and Engineers to take successful ideas into production and refine strategies through ongoing analysis.

What You'll Need

• A Master’s or PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering or another highly quantitative discipline.
• Strong quantitative research experience within systematic investing; expertise in commodity futures is particularly relevant, although candidates from Rates, FX, Equity Indices or other macro markets are encouraged to apply.
• A track record of generating original research ideas and developing predictive signals or systematic trading strategies through rigorous empirical testing.
• Strong statistical modelling and time-series analysis skills, with a clear understanding of research pitfalls such as overfitting, data leakage and selection bias.
• Strong Python programming skills, experience working with large datasets and the ability to communicate research findings clearly.