Quantitative Research Internship (2026 Start)

VSAE; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight and accommodation covered

Office perks and meals

Social and sports events

Job summary

Optiver is offering a Quantitative Research Internship starting in 2026, aimed at penultimate-year STEM students. You will work with a team of mathematicians and researchers to develop forecasting models and trading algorithms, using real Optiver technology on live markets with simulated capital.

The ten-week program emphasizes rigorous research, exposure to multiple desks, and a possible full-time offer after graduation. Strong programming and ML skills are valued.

Qualifications

• Penultimate-year student in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics or related STEM field.
• Solid foundation in mathematics, probability and statistics.
• Excellent research, analytical and modelling skills.
• Proficiency in any programming language.

Responsibilities

• Delve into trading fundamentals and engage in research projects that influence trading decisions.
• Trade on live markets using Optiver technology with simulated capital during the internship.
• Use statistical models and machine learning to develop trading algorithms.
• Analyze trading strategies and financial instruments to identify opportunities.
• Combine quantitative analysis with high‑performance implementation for model efficiency and accuracy.

Skills

Programming skills

Research & modelling

Machine learning knowledge

Education

Penultimate-year STEM student

Tools

Time-series tools

Statistical software

Job description

Quantitative Research Internship (2026 Start)

As a Quantitative Research Intern , you will get to work with our research team of mathematicians, scientists and technologists, to help develop the models that drive Optiver’s trading. You will tackle a practical research challenge that has impact and directly influences Optiver’s trading decisions. In our business, where the markets are always evolving, you will use your skills to predict its movements.

What you’ll do

Led by our in-house education team, you will delve into trading fundamentals and engage in research projects that make a real difference. You will enhance your understanding of trading principles and gain hands‑on experience by trading on live markets using real Optiver technology, with simulated capital. For the ten‑week internship, you will get support from experienced researchers during your research project work, providing you exposure to a variety of areas, including:

• Deep dive into trading and research fundamentals, from theoretical concepts to financial markets, strategies and cutting‑edge technology
• Using statistical models and machine learning to developtrading algorithms
• Leveraging big data technologies to analyse trading strategies and financial instruments to identify trading opportunities
• Combining quantitative analysis and high‑performance implementation to ensure efficiency and accuracy of your models
• Gain exposure to various trading and research desks and experience the financial markets first‑hand

Based on your performance during the internship, you could receive an offer to join our firm full‑time after your studies.

What you’ll get

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high‑performing environment alongside talented colleagues, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• A highly competitive internship compensation package
• Optiver-covered flights and accommodation in the city centre for the duration of the internship
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast and lunch, world‑class barista coffee and Friday afternoon drinks
• The opportunity to participate in sports and leisure activities, along with social events exclusively organised for your intern cohort

Who you are

• Penultimate year student in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics or a related STEM field, with the ability to work full time upon graduation in 2027
• Solid foundation in mathematics, probability and statistics
• Excellent research, analytical and modelling skills
• Proficiency in any programming language
• Knowledge of machine learning, time‑series analysis and pattern recognition is a plus
• Strong interest in working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills

We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities. Please let us know if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments by contacting the Recruitment team via the contact form , selecting “Reasonable Adjustments” as the subject of your inquiry.

For answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, refer to our Campus FAQs .

For applicants based in India, our entry route is via the placement office internship hiring season (July/August).

*We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2026.