Junior Quantitative Researcher | Options

BlockTech; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Trading floor access

Competitive compensation with bonus

Pension plan

Job summary

BlockTech in Amsterdam seeks a Quantitative Researcher to own ideas from hypothesis and dataset construction through feature engineering, model training and backtesting to live deployment.

You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with Quant Traders and Analysts, publishing robust, production-ready models that influence pricing and trading decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, CS, Econometrics, ML/AI or similar with strong research experience.
• Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack (PyTorch and/or TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas).
• Deep grasp of overfitting, generalization, validation design, and feature engineering.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end ownership from hypothesis and dataset construction to live deployment.
• Collaborate with Quant Traders and Quant Analysts to inform pricing and trading.
• Backtest, monitor, and iteratively improve models.
• Write readable, testable production-grade code.

Skills

Python

ML

Data Analytics

Feature Engineering

Model Evaluation

Education

PhD preferred

MSc with strong research experience

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

NumPy

pandas

Backtesting

Job description

About BlockTech

BlockTech is a fast-paced algorithmic trading firm at the frontier of global cryptocurrency derivatives and spot markets. We trade 24/7 across some of the most data-rich, fast-moving venues in finance, and we use that data to build smarter models, sharper signals, and more adaptive systems.

Crypto is one of the few markets where a researcher can still meaningfully move the edge. The data is abundant, the microstructure is novel, and the feedback loop between a research idea and live PnL couldn’t be shorter.

We’re growing fast, and we’re looking for a Quantitative Researcher with a strong machine learning toolkit to help us push that edge further.

The role

As a Quantitative Researcher on our trading floor, you’ll own ideas end-to-end from hypothesis and dataset construction through feature engineering, model training and backtesting, all the way to live deployment, monitoring, and iterative improvement.

You’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with Quantitative Traders and Quantitative Analysts, and your work will directly drive how we price and trade.

What we're looking for

• A strong academic background in a quantitative discipline (Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, Econometrics, ML/AI, or similar), typically a PhD or an MSc with strong research experience
• Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack (PyTorch and/or TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas)
• A deep, intuitive grasp of overfitting, generalization, validation design, and feature engineering - you can explain why a model works, not just that it does
• Solid software engineering instincts: you write code that other people can read, test, and run in production
• Genuine curiosity about financial markets and market microstructure - prior finance experience is welcome but not required
• Clear written and verbal English, and the ability to communicate complex ideas to a mixed audience of researchers, engineers, and traders

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience building and deploying ML models, ideally on time-series, forecasting, or anomaly detection problems
• Familiarity with crypto markets, derivatives pricing, and/or high-frequency trading data

What's in it for you?

• A seat on a trading floor where research, engineering, and trading happen a few metres apart, guaranteeing short feedback loops, real ownership, and direct impact on live PnL
• Competitive compensation consisting of a base salary combined with a very attractive bonus plan based on individual and company performance
• Outstanding performance is rewarded with the opportunity to buy into the trading fund
• Pension plan, company laptop, and reimbursement of your internet costs at home
• An extensive in-house training program and an annual learning & development budget
• The opportunity to work at the forefront of automated trading using state-of-the-art technology, in an environment that embraces AI to both accelerate productivity and advance our systems and models
• Gym membership reimbursement and the opportunity to engage in various sports during working hours, including kickboxing, CrossFit, fitness, and soccer
• Regular social events, including weekly Friday drinks, monthly outings, quarterly sports competitions and bi-annual trips abroad
• Daily breakfast and warm lunch. Additionally, snacks and drinks are provided throughout the day
• For internationals: All-in relocation package and Dutch classes

Our culture

At our core, we are a team of passionate trading and tech enthusiasts committed to revolutionizing trading through automation. Our collaborative approach ensures that everyone contributes to achieving our ambitious goals.

In this role, you will be both challenged and stretched, with ample opportunities for growth and development, both within and beyond your main responsibilities.

We invest in our people by offering competitive compensation and benefits, fostering innovation, and celebrating success. Our commitment to personal development transcends traditional norms; we provide an equal playing field, promote reverse leadership, and offer boundless growth opportunities for all our employees.

Join us to unlock your potential and drive innovation in the exciting world of algorithmic trading.