Univest – Quantitative Research Analyst Univest

The Corporate Institute; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corporate Institute in Gurugram invites a seasoned quant trader to join a fast-paced research team designing and backtesting multi-factor alpha strategies. You will refine regime-based signals, improve IV estimation, and enhance option-hedging logic while collaborating with engineering to productionise validated models.

The role requires strong Python expertise, experience with backtesting frameworks, and a deep understanding of Indian equity markets and options dynamics.

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.
• 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 like look-ahead bias, survivorship bias, overfitting.

Responsibilities

• Refine and evolve the 5-signal regime model, adjust indicators and weights.
• Design better Implied Volatility estimation methods using GARCH or regime-switching vol.
• Improve options strike selection logic with IV regime-based dynamics.
• 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 model changes.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to productionise validated strategies.
• Continuously research and integrate new alpha sources and signal enhancements.

Skills

Systematic trading

Python (pandas/numpy)

Backtesting

Options pricing (Black-Scholes)

Multi-factor alpha models

Indian equity markets (NSE F&O)

Tools

Kite Connect v3 API

Backtesting frameworks

Pine Script

Jupyter Notebooks

Node.js / Express

Job description

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