Graduate Quantitative Researcher (PhD)

Greenhouse Software, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

IMC Trading is seeking a Quantitative Researcher in Chicago to influence global trading strategies. You will apply rigorous quantitative methods, develop models, and push research into production alongside Traders and Developers.

You are a PhD candidate in a highly quantitative field, proficient in Python or C/C++, and eager to tackle challenging problems with a collaborative team. The role starts February or August 2027 and offers challenging, impactful work.

Qualifications

• Pursuing PhD in a highly quantitative field with expected graduation 2026–2027.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem solving.
• Experience with data analysis and model development.

Responsibilities

• Apply rigorous analytical techniques to solve complex problems.
• Build custom tools to explore new research ideas.
• Design mathematical models and deploy them into production.
• Maintain best practices for scalable, reliable systems.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Mathematics

Quantitative research

Education

PhD in Mathematics or related field

Tools

NumPy/SciPy

TensorFlow

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

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.

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.

About Us

IMC is a research-driven trading firm where quantitative modeling, machine learning, and engineering shape how modern markets are traded. A stabilizing force in markets since 1989, we provide liquidity across trading venues, delivering the best outcome in value and risk management to investors. Using our own technology and capital, we build proprietary systems and algorithms that operate across global markets. Our researchers, traders, and engineers work as a collective, combining rapid experimentation, advanced infrastructure, and real-time feedback to turn insight into execution and execution into advantage.