Graduate Machine Learning Researcher - Chicago

IMC Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 270,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

IMC Trading is seeking a Graduate Machine Learning Researcher in Chicago, Illinois, to enhance its global trading strategies. Your work involves applying advanced machine learning and statistical techniques to tackle complex trading challenges across various markets.

As part of a collaborative team, you will design and implement machine learning models while contributing to significant research. A PhD in a relevant field is essential, along with a competitive base salary of $300,000.

Qualifications

• PhD in Machine Learning or related quantitative field required.
• Strong foundations in machine learning, probability, and statistics.
• Hands-on research in deep learning fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Design and evaluate machine learning models for trading.
• Apply statistical techniques to measure performance.
• Collaborate with traders to translate research into systems.

Skills

Machine Learning

Statistics

Python

Deep Learning

Education

PhD in a related field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Job description

As a Graduate Machine Learning Researcher at IMC, your work will directly impact our global trading strategies. You will apply advanced machine learning, statistical, and computational techniques to solve complex, real-world trading problems, contributing to trading strategies across global equities, futures, and options markets. Machine Learning Researchers work closely with Traders and Developers in an environment where problem solving, innovation and teamwork are recognized and rewarded.

Your Core Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate machine learning models for trading applications, with successful research deployed into production
• Apply rigorous statistical techniques to measure performance, control overfitting, and understand model risk and interpretability
• Investigate novel machine learning approaches through rigorous experimentation and analysis in real trading environments
• Communicate research progress and outcomes effectively, ensuring knowledge transfer within the team and across departments
• Collaborate closely with traders, researchers, and engineers to translate research into production trading systems

Your Skills And Experience

• PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or a related quantitative field
• Strong foundations in machine learning, probability, and statistics, with experience applying advanced ML techniques to solve challenging research or real-world problems
• Demonstrated hands‑on research experience in deep learning fundamentals such as neural network architectures, sequence modeling, training dynamics, or optimization
• Proficiency in Python and modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Tensorflow, and/or JAX
• Demonstrated research excellence through publications, preprints, research internships, or significant research projects; publications at venues such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, or equivalent conferences are highly preferred
• Ability to commence full‑time employment in February or August 2027

Base Salary: $300,000