Junior Quantitative Researcher

Akuna Capital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Akuna Capital in Chicago is seeking a Junior Quantitative Researcher to join a team of mathematicians and technologists. You will apply machine learning and statistical methods to develop trading strategies and optimize portfolios, working closely with quantitative researchers and traders.

The role requires advanced degrees in a technical field, strong ML expertise, and Python proficiency. You should be prepared to graduate by August 2027 or earlier, and be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelors, masters, or PhD in a technical field must be completed by employment.
• Expertise in statistics and machine learning.
• Experience building mathematical models for complex real-world problems.
• Proficiency in Python programming.

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 opportunities for new research topics.

Skills

Statistics

Machine learning

Mathematical modeling

Education

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

Tools

Python

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 specialise 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 conceptualised 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.

We are looking for talented researchers who can apply and develop machine learning algorithms to contribute to Akuna’s strategy portfolio. 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
• Resumes must be submitted in PDF format.

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!

Please note

By submitting an application for this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest.

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.