Senior Quantitative Researcher | Mid-frequency | Crypto Options

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

Benefits offered by this job

Trading floor access

Attractive bonus plan

Pension plan

Relocation for internationals

Tech training budget

Daily meals

Job summary

BlockTech, a fast-paced algorithmic trading firm, seeks a senior Quantitative Researcher with a mid-frequency background for our Amsterdam trading floor. You will own mid-frequency models end-to-end—from hypothesis and dataset construction to training, backtesting, and live deployment—collaborating with traders and engineers to push research into production.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in quantitative research, a strong math/CS background, and fluency in Python with the modern ML stack;

Qualifications

• - 3+ years of quantitative research experience with mid-frequency models that have gone live
• - Strong academic foundation in a quantitative discipline (math, physics, stats, or CS)
• - Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack (PyTorch and/or TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas)
• - Ability to explain why a model works (not just that it does) and avoid overfitting
• - Software engineering instincts for production-grade code
• - Clear communication with traders and engineers

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 rapid, safe production
• Own models in production: monitor performance, diagnose decay, and iterate
• Set research direction with traders, deciding which trades are worth pursuing
• Mentor colleagues, review work, and raise the bar for rigour

Skills

Python

ML stack

Feature engineering

Model validation

Production-grade code

Communication

Quantitative research

Education

Master's or PhD in Mathematics/Physics/Statistics/CS

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

NumPy

pandas

Job description

About BlockTech

BlockTech is a fast-paced algorithmic trading firm trading crypto derivatives and spot across global venues, 24/7, with our own capital. Crypto is one of the few markets where a researcher can still move the edge. The data is abundant, the microstructure is novel, and the loop between an idea and live PnL is short.

High-frequency options trading is where we're strongest, and we're widening our scope to include more mid-frequency work. We're looking for a senior Quantitative Researcher with a mid-frequency background to join our Amsterdam trading floor.

The Role

You'll be in charge of developing our mid-frequency capabilities, owning the research agenda end to end, from hypothesis and dataset construction through model training and backtesting to live deployment. You'll sit with traders, researchers, and analysts, and raise the bar for research across the floor.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 3+ years of quantitative research experience at a hedge fund, trading firm, or similar, with mid-frequency models you've taken live
• A strong academic foundation in a quantitative discipline (mathematics, physics, statistics, or computer science)
• Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack (PyTorch and/or TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas)
• A deep grasp of overfitting, validation design, and feature engineering. You can explain why a model works, not just that it does
• Software engineering instincts: you write production-grade code that others can read, test, and run
• The judgment to prioritize your own research bets, and clear communication with traders and engineers

Nice to Have

• A mid-frequency track record in crypto derivatives markets
• Experience mentoring or leading other researchers

Benefits

• A seat on a trading floor where research, engineering, and trading happen a few meters 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, working 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, plus regular social events including weekly Friday drinks, monthly outings, quarterly sports competitions, and bi-annual trips abroad
• Daily breakfast and warm lunch, with snacks and drinks 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.