Graduate Quantitative Researcher (BS/MS)

IMC Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

IMC Trading in Chicago is seeking a Quantitative Researcher to improve trading strategies using analytical, mathematical, and computing skills. As a student graduating in 2026 or 2027, you'll tackle complex problems through innovative techniques and work closely with Traders and Developers. This full-time role starts in February or August 2027 with a base salary of $250,000.

IMC is a global trading firm known for its collaborative culture and commitment to innovation, making it an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers.

Qualifications

• Current university student graduating between September 2026 – July 2027.
• Has a passion for research and problem solving.
• Proficiency in a programming language (Python, C, C++, etc) is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Apply rigorous analytical and quantitative techniques to solve complex problems.
• Build custom tools to explore new research ideas.
• Design mathematical models based upon trading ideas.
• Implement and deploy new models into production.
• Maintain best practices to keep our systems logical and consistent.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Mathematical modeling

Programming (Python, C, C++

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Physics, or Computer Science

Job description

As a Quantitative Researcher at IMC, your work will directly impact our global trading strategies. You will leverage your analytical, mathematical, and computing skills to improve existing models and develop new ones. We will empower you to discover your unique niche and excel, taking on responsibility and ownership from the start. Quantitative Researchers work closely with Traders and Developers in an environment where problem solving, innovation and teamwork are recognized and rewarded.

Your Core Responsibilities

• Apply rigorous analytical and quantitative techniques to solve complex problems
• Build custom tools to explore new research ideas
• Design mathematical models based upon trading ideas
• Implement and deploy new models into production
• Maintain best practices to keep our systems logical and consistent

Your Skills And Experience

• Current university student graduating between September 2026 – July 2027 that is pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or another highly quantitative field
• Has a passion for research and problem solving
• Approaches data analysis with rigorous thought processes and strong intuition
• Is a creative thinker who is driven and eager to solve challenging problems collaboratively
• Proficiency in a programming language (Python, C, C++, etc) is highly desired
• Must be available for full-time employment starting in February or August 2027

You may submit one application per role each year. We strongly encourage you to focus on applying to a single role that best matches your skills and interests. Though you may apply to multiple roles, please note that each application will be evaluated based on the specific criteria established for that particular role. If you have already applied for this position during the current recruitment season and were not selected, you may reapply when the next recruitment season begins in 2027.

Base Salary: $250,000

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.