Senior Quantitative Researcher

Unchain Data; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus

Relocation package for internationals

Annual learning & development budget

Pension plan

Gym membership reimbursement

Dutch language classes

Job summary

BlockTech is seeking a senior Quantitative Researcher to own the edge in crypto derivatives pricing and spot markets. You will lead hypothesis generation, dataset construction, feature engineering, model training, backtesting, and live deployment, working closely with traders and engineers to raise the bar on research quality.

You will mentor colleagues, shape tooling standards, and help productionize impactful ideas with a focus on robust validation, generalisation, and rigorous reasoning about

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on quantitative research and/or applied ML, with production trading experience.
• Strong academic foundation in a quantitative discipline (math/physics/stats/CS/ML).
• Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack (PyTorch/TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas).
• Ability to explain why and how a model works, including overfitting/validation design and feature engineering.

Responsibilities

• Own price-prediction, signal, execution, and anomaly-detection models across crypto markets from idea to live PnL.
• Shape research, backtesting, and trading infrastructure with engineers for rapid production.
• Maintain production models: monitor, diagnose decay, and iterate on improvements.

Skills

Independent research planning

Mentoring

Communication

Model validation design

Feature engineering

Explain model behavior

Education

Quantitative discipline (math/physics/stats/CS/ML)

Tools

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

NumPy

pandas

Job description

About BlockTech

BlockTech is an algorithmic trading firm operating at the frontier of global crypto derivatives and spot markets. We trade 24/7 across some of the fastest-moving, most data-rich venues in finance.

Crypto remains one of the few markets where a researcher can still meaningfully move the edge: abundant data, novel microstructure, and the shortest possible loop between a research idea and live PnL. We're looking for an experienced Quantitative Researcher to take ownership of that edge and push it further.

The Role

This is a senior, hands-on research seat on our trading floor. You'll own a research agenda end-to-end from hypothesis, dataset construction, feature engineering, model training, backtesting, live deployment, monitoring, and iteration. You'll be trusted to set its direction.

You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow researchers, traders and analysts, shape how we price and trade, and help raise the bar for research across the floor, including mentoring less experienced researchers and influencing the tools and standards the team relies on.

Responsibilities

• Own price-prediction, signal, execution, and anomaly-detection models across crypto derivatives and spot markets from idea to live PnL using state-of-the-art ML
• Shape our research, backtesting, and trading infrastructure together with engineers, so good ideas reach production quickly and safely
• Own models in production: monitor live performance, diagnose decay, and iterate on what you ship
• Set research direction alongside traders, deciding which trades are worth making and why
• Raise the research bar by mentoring colleagues, reviewing work, and setting standards for rigour

Requirements

• 4+ years of hands-on quantitative research and/or applied ML experience, with a track record of models you've taken into production trading live
• A strong academic foundation in a quantitative discipline (mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, ML/AI, or similar)
• Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack (PyTorch and/or TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas)
• A deep, intuitive grasp of overfitting, generalisation, validation design, and feature engineering. You can explain why and how a model works, not just that it does
• The judgement to prioritise research bets independently and the communication skills to align researchers, engineers, and traders
• Strong software engineering instincts: production-grade code that others can read, test, and run
• Clear written and verbal English

Nice to Have

• A live-trading track record, ideally in crypto derivatives, or a similar domain
• Experience mentoring or leading other researchers
• Familiarity with market microstructure and derivatives pricing

What We Offer

• Real ownership and a direct line to live PnL. Research, engineering, and trading happen a few metres apart, with the shortest feedback loops in the industry.
• Competitive base salary plus a very attractive performance-based bonus tied to individual and company results
• For strong performers, the opportunity to buy into the trading fund
• A floor of strong peers and minimal bureaucracy between a good idea and production
• Annual learning & development budget and an in-house training program
• Pension plan, company laptop, and reimbursement of home internet costs
• Gym membership reimbursement and sports during working hours (kickboxing, CrossFit, fitness, soccer)
• Daily breakfast and warm lunch, with snacks and drinks throughout the day
• Regular socials: weekly Friday drinks, monthly outings, quarterly sports competitions, bi-annual trips abroad
• For internationals: an 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.