Head of ML / Head of Quant Research (Crypto Trading)

Unchain Data; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PnL share

Remote work

Office in Serbia

Job summary

Unchain Data is seeking a Head of ML / Head of Quant Research to own and scale crypto trading models across Spot and Perpetuals. You will lead a live production ML system with capital under management and drive research roadmaps.

Responsibilities include owning the research pipeline, designing profitable models, and mentoring a team of researchers and developers. Remote-friendly role with flexibility to collaborate across borders.

Qualifications

• Degree in CS / Math / Data Science from a top-tier university; strong foundation in probability, statistics, linear algebra, and algorithms.
• Experience leading ML/quant teams and shipping models to production.
• Proven track record in profitable ML or quantitative trading strategies.

Responsibilities

• Own the research pipeline, model architecture, signal generation, and risk limits.
• Design, backtest, and deploy profitable ML models and trading strategies.
• Optimize execution algorithms and scale capital under management.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of quant researchers and developers.

Skills

Head of ML

Leadership

Quant research

Backtesting

Python

ML in Production

Education

CS / Math / Data Science degree

Tools

NumPy / Numba

PyTorch / JAX

Backtesting frameworks

Job description

The Role

We are looking for a Head of ML / Head of Quant Research to take full ownership of developing and scaling machine learning trading strategies in crypto markets (Spot / Perpetuals).

You will take over a live, operating production ML trading system with existing Capital Under Management and lead a dedicated research team.

Responsibilities

• Full Ownership: Take complete control of the research pipeline, model architecture, signal generation, and risk limits
• Alpha Generation: Design, backtest, and deploy new profitable ML models and quantitative trading strategies
• Execution & Scaling: Optimize execution algorithms, refine live strategy performance, and scale capital under management
• Leadership: Lead, mentor, and grow a team of quant researchers and developers

Requirements

Education & Mathematical Background

• Degree in CS / Math / Data Science from a top-tier university (MIPT, HSE, MSU, SPbSU, ITMO, YSDA, or international equivalents)
• Strong foundation in probability, statistics, linear algebra, and algorithms

Tech Stack & Hard Skills

• Python (NumPy, Numba)
• PyTorch or JAX (for the ML track) OR advanced backtesting/quantitative modeling frameworks (for the Quant track)
• Proven track record of developing profitable ML models or quantitative trading strategies in production

Nice to Have

• Experience in crypto/HFT/algorithmic trading (Order Book dynamics, L2/L3 data, funding rate arbitrage, liquidations)
• Proficiency in C++ (reading, profiling, and optimizing performance)
• Competitive programming / Kaggle achievements (IMO, IOI, ICPC, Codeforces, Kaggle Master/GM) or top-tier publications (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR)
• English: A2+ (Internal team communication is in Russian; fluent spoken English is not required)

Benefits

• Competitive fixed salary
• PnL share (individual agreement)
• Direct influence on risk limits, capital allocation, and research roadmap
• Remote work or office in Serbia, official contracting via Dubai / Serbia