Quant Researcher / Trader, Trading & Execution

Polymer Capital; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Polymer Capital in Hong Kong seeks a Quant Researcher/Trader for the Trading and Execution team. The role centers on transaction cost analysis, market microstructure research, and central risk book optimization, working with traders, quants, and technology teams to improve execution quality.

Responsibilities include developing TCA frameworks across markets and venues, analyzing slippage and market impact, building predictive models for costs and liquidity, and supporting CRB strategies and

Qualifications

• Quantitative degree required from a recognized institution.
• 2–5 years of practical experience in quant research or trading.
• Strong programming skills in Python; experience with KDB+/q or Java.
• Solid understanding of market microstructure and TCA concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance TCA frameworks to evaluate execution quality across markets, brokers, venues, algorithms, and trading styles.
• Analyze execution performance: slippage, market impact, fill rates, opportunity cost, implementation shortfall, and post-trade performance.
• Conduct tick-level market microstructure research using diverse data (order book, trades, quotes).
• Build predictive models for trading costs, short-term price dynamics, liquidity conditions, and execution risk.
• Research, develop, and support central risk book strategies, including internal crossing, risk warehousing, inventory management, hedging, and risk transfer between desks.
• Build quantitative tools and monitoring frameworks for execution decision-making, internalization opportunities, risk monitoring, performance attribution, and CRB strategies.

Skills

Python

KDB+/q

Java

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Quantitative research

Education

Bachelor's or equivalent in Mathematics/Statistics/CS/Engineering/Physics

Tools

KDB+/q

Job description

We are seeking a Quant Researcher / Trader to join the Trading and Execution team, with a focus on transaction cost analysis, market microstructure research, and central risk book strategy development.

The successful candidate will work closely with traders, quants, and technology teams to improve execution quality, understand liquidity dynamics, and develop quantitative tools for internalization, risk transfer, and central risk book optimization. This role requires strong quantitative skills, practical commercial judgment, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and enhance Transaction Cost Analysis (TCA) frameworks to evaluate execution quality across markets, brokers, venues, algorithms, and trading styles
• Analyze execution performance, including slippage, market impact, fill rates, opportunity cost, implementation shortfall, and post‑trade performance
• Conduct market microstructure research using tick‑level, order book, trade, quote, order, and execution data
• Build predictive models for trading costs, short‑term price dynamics, liquidity conditions, market impact, and execution risk
• Research, develop, and support central risk book strategies, including internal crossing, risk warehousing, inventory management, hedging, and risk transfer between trading desks
• Build quantitative tools and monitoring frameworks to support execution decision‑making, internalization opportunities, risk monitoring, performance attribution, and CRB‑related strategies

Requirements

• Strong academic background in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Financial Engineering, or another quantitative discipline from an established institution
• Working experience around 2‑5 years
• Strong quantitative research skills, with experience applying statistical, econometric, optimization, or machine learning techniques to real‑world data
• Strong programming ability in Python, KDB+/q, Java, or another language commonly used in quantitative research and trading
• Good understanding of market microstructure concepts, including liquidity, spreads, market impact, order types, execution algorithms, venue behavior, and short‑term price dynamics
• Familiarity with TCA, execution analytics, algorithmic trading, smart order routing, or electronic trading workflows is preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with strong analytical skills, commercial judgment, attention to detail, and independent thinking
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain quantitative findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders

Good to Have

• Experience developing execution algorithms, market impact models, or liquidity forecasting models
• Experience with broker / venue analysis, algo wheel analytics, post‑trade TCA, or execution benchmarking
• Familiarity with internal crossing, central risk book, market making, inventory optimization, or risk warehousing strategies
• Prior financial markets experience, particularly in equities or electronic trading

Meeting Performance Goals

• Complete research and analytics projects on time
• Independently own research initiatives leading to practical application
• Deliver tools, models, and insights that improve execution performance and trading efficiency
• Contribute to CRB‑related monitoring, including exposures, inventory, and key drivers of trading outcomes