Quantitative Research Intern

FRAGMENT WORKS PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 17,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

FRAGMENT WORKS PTE. LTD. in Singapore is seeking a Quantitative Research Intern to support signal research, strategy backtesting, and data analysis for the US equity market.

The role suits students with strong mathematical, physical, or computational backgrounds who want to apply scientific thinking and programming to real-world finance. The team conducts research using Mandarin as the primary language, with English for reading research papers and documentation.

Qualifications

• Strong mathematical and scientific training.
• Pursuing undergraduate (3rd year) or higher (Master/PhD).
• Proficiency in Mandarin and English reading.
• Experience in Python and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, development, and validation of quantitative trading signals for US equities.
• Backtest signals and strategies using historical market data.
• Analyze backtesting results and improve research approaches and signal quality.
• Process and analyse US equity market data and related datasets.
• Use AI-assisted programming tools to support data processing and signal research.
• Document research methods, assumptions, results, and code clearly.

Skills

Numerical analysis

Python

Data analysis

Statistical thinking

Teamwork

Education

Undergraduate/Master/PhD candidate

Tools

NumPy

Pandas

Git

Job description

US Equities — Signal Research and Backtesting

Position Overview

We are looking for a Quantitative Research Intern to support signal research, strategy backtesting, and data analysis for the US equity market.

This role is suitable for students with a strong background in mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics, or other quantitative disciplines who are interested in applying scientific thinking, data analysis, and programming skills to real-world financial market problems.

The primary working language of the team is Mandarin Chinese. Candidates should therefore be able to communicate effectively in Mandarin in a professional working environment. English will be used mainly for reading research papers, technical documentation, financial data specifications, and occasional business communication.

Location

Singapore

Key Responsibilities

1. Conduct research, development, and validation of quantitative trading signals for US equities, including price, trading volume, volatility, and other market-related signals.
2. Backtest trading signals and strategies using historical market data, and evaluate their effectiveness, robustness, and practical applicability.
3. Analyse backtesting results, identify potential issues, and continuously improve research approaches and signal quality.
4. Process and analyse US equity market data, fundamental data, and other relevant datasets.
5. Use AI-assisted programming tools to support data processing, signal research, strategy backtesting, and result analysis.
6. Document research methods, assumptions, results, and code in a clear and reproducible manner.
7. Review relevant quantitative finance research papers, industry reports, and open-source projects, and explore their potential application to practical research.

Candidate Requirements

1. Strong sensitivity to numbers and data, with the ability to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential issues from large datasets.
2. Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, preferably in the third or final year, or a Master’s or PhD degree.
3. Students in mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, engineering, financial engineering, or other quantitative disciplines are encouraged to apply. Candidates from mathematics and physics backgrounds are particularly preferred.
4. Strong mathematical foundation, logical reasoning skills, and ability to conduct independent research.
5. Familiarity with Python and common data analysis libraries such as NumPy and Pandas.
6. Comfortable using AI-assisted programming tools, while being able to understand, debug, validate, and improve AI-generated code.
7. Basic knowledge of probability, statistics, linear algebra, time-series analysis, or machine learning.
8. Strong interest in quantitative trading, US equities, financial markets, and data-driven research.
9. Strong Mandarin Chinese communication skills are required, as Mandarin is the primary working language within the team. Candidates should be able to discuss research ideas, explain results, and collaborate effectively in Mandarin.
10. Good English reading skills are required for understanding academic papers, technical documentation, financial data specifications, and other professional materials. Candidates should also be able to handle basic written and verbal communication in English.
11. Candidates with any of the following experience will be preferred:

• Awards in mathematics, physics, or informatics competitions during high school
• Experience in mathematical modelling, ACM, Kaggle, or similar competitions
• Quantitative trading, signal research, or strategy backtesting projects
• Academic research, paper replication, or open-source project contributions
• Experience working with equities, ETFs, or other financial market data

12. Detail-oriented and rigorous, with the ability to identify common research issues such as data errors, look-ahead bias, data leakage, and overfitting.

13. Must be eligible to undertake an internship in Singapore.

What We Value Most

• Strong sensitivity to numbers and data
• Solid mathematical and scientific training
• Strong Mandarin communication and team work skills
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to investigate problems deeply
• Rigorous and objective research habits
• Ability to learn quickly and use AI tools effectively
• Willingness to challenge initial results and independently verify research conclusions

Internship Arrangement

• Location: Singapore
• Internship duration: Preferably at least three months
• Availability: At least three to four days per week, subject to discussion
• Start date: As soon as reasonably possible

Compensation

Competitive compensation, commensurate with the candidate’s academic background, programming ability, research capability, and internship availability.

Outstanding interns may have the opportunity to:

• Participate directly in real-world quantitative research projects
• Independently own selected signal or strategy research projects
• Be considered for an extended internship or a future full-time position

Application Materials

Please submit:

1. Your CV or résumé
2. Relevant materials demonstrating your research or programming ability, such as:

• GitHub projects
• Quantitative strategy or backtesting reports
• Competition, mathematical modelling, or academic research results
• Research paper replication projects

3. A brief introduction explaining:

• Why you are interested in quantitative trading
• One problem or research topic you have previously explored independently
• Your level of proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English

Suggested application title:

Quantitative Research Intern Application – Name – University – Major – Internship Availability