Graduate Machine Learning Researcher - Chicago

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

Job summary

IMC is seeking a Graduate Machine Learning Researcher in Chicago to push frontier ML research for trading applications. You will design, implement, and evaluate models that can be deployed into production to support global equities, futures, and options strategies.

You will collaborate with Traders, Researchers, and Engineers, publish findings, and contribute to a rigorous experimentation culture. A PhD and strong ML background are required, with availability to start in Feb or Aug 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field such as ML, CS, EE, math, stats or physics.
• Strong foundations in ML, probability and statistics with real-world problem solving.
• Hands-on research in deep learning, neural networks, sequence modeling or optimization.
• Publications or strong research track record preferred; NeurIPS/ICML/ICLR etc. are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate ML models for trading applications, with production deployment.
• Apply rigorous statistics to measure performance and control overfitting.
• Investigate novel ML approaches through experiments in real trading environments.
• Communicate progress and outcomes across teams.
• Collaborate with traders, researchers, and engineers to translate research into production systems.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Deep learning

Education

PhD in ML / quantitative field

Tools

Python

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

The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.

Base Salary: $300,000

About Us

IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting‑edge research environment and a world‑class technology backbone. Since 1989, we’ve been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high‑performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.