Junior Quantitative Researcher

Akuna Capital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,500 - 159,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Akuna Capital is seeking a Junior Quantitative Researcher in Chicago to join a team of mathematicians and technologists. The role focuses on developing trading strategies with statistical and machine learning methods, building models, and contributing to portfolio optimization.

Candidates should have a technical degree (Bachelors/Master's/PhD) and strong Python skills, with a GPA of 3.5+ and eligibility to work in the U.S. on day one.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in a technical field completed by employment.
• Expertise in statistics and machine learning.
• Experience building mathematical models for complex real-world problems.
• Intermediate Python programming skills.
• Ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions and solve math and coding problems.
• Financial experience is not required.
• Graduating August 2027 or prior.
• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. on day one (including OPT/STEM).

Responsibilities

• Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms.
• Design and implement optimization algorithms for portfolio construction.
• Develop quantitative models describing market behavior.
• Advance existing initiatives and explore new research topics.

Skills

Statistics

Machine learning

Python

Rapid problem solving

Finance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in technical field

Job description

About Akuna

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting‑edge technology, data‑driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market‑maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Junior Quantitative Researcher at Akuna

Akuna’s Quant team is looking to add Junior Quant Researchers to a team of mathematicians, statisticians, and technologists. This team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets.

In this role you will:

• Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms.


• Design and implement optimization algorithms for portfolio construction.


• Develop quantitative models describing market behavior.


• Advance existing initiatives and explore opportunities for new research topics.

Qualities that make great candidates

• Bachelors, masters, or PhD in a technical field – Engineering, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics (or a related subject) must be completed upon employment.


• Expertise in statistics and machine learning.


• Experience building mathematical models for complex real‑world problems.


• Intermediate programming skills in Python.


• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems, are essential functions of the role.


• Financial experience is not a requirement.


• Must be graduating August 2027 or prior.


• GPA of 3.5 or above.


• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment, including F‑1 students using OPT or STEM.

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer‑paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.