Univest – Quantitative Research Analyst Univest

The Corporate Institute; Gurgaon; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corporate Institute in Gurgaon seeks a quant trader/strat to refine a 5-signal regime model and improve IV estimation methods. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in systematic or algorithmic trading and a strong grasp of Indian equity markets.

You will work with engineering to productionise strategies, backtest rigorously, and explore new alpha sources. Proficiency in Python and backtesting is essential; exposure to volatility models is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in systematic or algorithmic trading
• Strong understanding of Indian equity markets NSE F&O, expiry cycles, Open Interest dynamics, PCR interpretation
• Deep working knowledge of options pricing Black-Scholes, Greeks, IV surface, volatility skew
• Proficient in Python (pandas, numpy, scipy) able to independently write and audit backtest code
• Experience designing and backtesting multi-factor alpha models
• Understands backtest pitfalls look-ahead bias, survivorship bias, overfitting

Responsibilities

• Refine and evolve the 5-signal regime model add/remove indicators, tune weights, improve conviction scoring
• Design better Implied Volatility estimation methods (e.g., replace rolling realised vol with GARCH or regime-switching vol)
• Improve options strike selection logic move from fixed OTM distance to dynamic selection based on IV regime
• Build delta-hedging and rolling logic for options positions
• Define stress scenarios and edge cases for the risk engine
• Own all 21 backtest scenarios, interpret results, and translate findings into actionable model changes
• Collaborate with the engineering team to productionise validated strategies
• Continuously research and integrate new alpha sources and signal enhancements

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Backtesting design

Modeling alpha

Education

CFA / FRM / NISM Series VIII (Equity Derivatives) certification

Tools

Python

Jupyter Notebooks

Node.js/Express

Kite Connect

Backtesting frameworks

Pine Script

Job description

MUST-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in systematic or algorithmic trading (buy-side or prop desk preferred)
• Strong understanding of Indian equity markets NSE F&O, expiry cycles, Open Interest dynamics, PCR interpretation
• Deep working knowledge of options pricing Black-Scholes, Greeks, IV surface, volatility skew
• Proficient in Python (pandas, numpy, scipy) able to independently write and audit backtest code
• Experience designing and backtesting multi-factor alpha models
• Understands backtest pitfalls look-ahead bias, survivorship bias, overfitting

GOOD-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

• CFA / FRM / NISM Series VIII (Equity Derivatives) certification
• Experience at a prop trading firm, hedge fund, or quant desk at a brokerage
• Published research on Indian market microstructure or options strategies
• Familiarity with signal frameworks Stochastic RSI, CMF, OBV, Smart Money Concepts (SMC)
• Exposure to GARCH models, regime-switching volatility, or advanced IV estimation techniques

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Refine and evolve the 5-signal regime model add/remove indicators, tune weights, improve conviction scoring
• Design better Implied Volatility estimation methods (e.g., replace rolling realised vol with GARCH or regime-switching vol)
• Improve options strike selection logic move from fixed OTM distance to dynamic selection based on IV regime
• Build delta-hedging and rolling logic for options positions
• Define stress scenarios and edge cases for the risk engine
• Own all 21 backtest scenarios, interpret results, and translate findings into actionable model changes
• Collaborate with the engineering team to productionise validated strategies
• Continuously research and integrate new alpha sources and signal enhancements

TECH & TOOLS

• Python (pandas, numpy, scipy, statsmodels), Jupyter Notebooks
• Node.js / Express (production signal engine)
• Kite Connect v3 API (Zerodha) for market data and execution
• Backtesting frameworks and quantitative analytics tools
• Pine Script (TradingView) for visual strategy prototyping