Senior Quantitative Researcher | High-Frequency | Crypto Options

BlockTech; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

BlockTech in Amsterdam seeks a senior Quantitative Researcher to own an end-to-end research agenda—from hypothesis and dataset construction to model training, backtesting, live deployment and iteration. You will work closely with researchers, traders and engineers to shape pricing and trading, mentor colleagues, and raise the bar for rigour and tooling across the floor.

The role offers real ownership, a competitive base salary with a strong performance bonus, and a path to lead future research

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on quantitative research and/or applied ML experience.
• Strong academic foundation in mathematics, physics, statistics, CS or ML/AI.
• Fluency in Python and ML stack (PyTorch/TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas).
• Ability to explain model workings, not just results.
• Good judgment to prioritize research bets independently and communicate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Own price-prediction, signal, execution, and anomaly-detection models across crypto derivatives and spot markets from idea to live PnL.
• Shape research, backtesting, and trading infrastructure with engineers for fast, safe production.
• Own models in production: monitor performance, diagnose decay, iterate.
• Set research direction with traders and decide which trades are worth pursuing.
• Mentor colleagues, review work, and set standards for rigour.

Skills

Quantitative research

Applied ML

Python

ML stack familiarity

Communication skills

Software engineering

English fluency

Education

Quantitative discipline degree

Tools

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.

You will:

• Own price-prediction, signal, execution, and anomaly-detection models across crypto derivatives and spot markets from idea to live PnL

• 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

What we're looking for

• 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

Strong pluses:

• 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's in it for you?

• 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.

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