Graduate Quantitative Researcher (PhD)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Paid leave

Insurance

Job summary

IMC Trading in Chicago is hiring a Quantitative Researcher who will directly impact trading strategies through analytical and mathematical prowess. This position is tailored for current PhD students graduating between September 2026 and July 2027, who are eager to engage in research and innovative problem solving.

The successful candidate will apply analytical techniques and build mathematical models while collaborating in a dynamic team environment. A competitive base salary of $250,000 is offered, along with other benefits including bonuses and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Current university student graduating between September 2026 and July 2027.
• Passion for research and problem solving.
• Creative thinker eager to solve challenging problems collaboratively.
• Strong analytical thinking and intuition.

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 systems logical and consistent.

Skills

Mathematics

Statistics

Data Analysis

Programming (Python, C, C++)

Education

PhD 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 superior 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 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 PhD 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.

Base Salary: $250,000. All full‑time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance.