Junior Quantitative Risk Analyst

Akuna Capital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Akuna Capital in Chicago is seeking a Junior Quantitative Risk Analyst to join the Risk Department. You will work on measuring and controlling market and execution risks, collaborating with developers and analysts to build protections around trading and to enhance risk reporting.

The role emphasizes developing new risk metrics, working with market and historical data, and supporting the setup and monitoring of trading limits. A quantitative degree or strong math skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Finance experience or knowledge of options theory.
• Programming experience (Python); SQL preferred.
• Strong numerical problem‑solving and coding skills.
• Independent thinker with attention to detail.
• Degree in a quantitative field or demonstrated math skills.
• Ability to react quickly to changing market conditions.

Responsibilities

• Work with a small Risk team to build protections around Akuna’s trading.
• Collaborate with Developers to improve risk infrastructure and automated reporting.
• Work inside Akuna’s automated computational framework.
• Develop new ways to quantify risk and performance using market and historical data.
• Assist in setting, testing and monitoring internal, exchange and third‑party trading systems and positional limits.

Skills

Finance knowledge

Numerical problem solving

Independent thinker

Education

Quantitative degree

Tools

Python

SQL

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 Chicago, the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world. Today, Akuna operates from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.

What you'll do as a Junior Quantitative Risk Analyst at Akuna

We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to join our growing Risk Department. This role is part of a major investment in measuring and controlling market and execution risks where you will work on new development projects at the intersection of trading, options theory and automation. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to grow and evolve with our firm! In this role, you will:

• Work as part of a small Risk team and alongside Developers and Analysts to build efficient and smart protections around Akuna’s trading
• Collaborate with Developers to improve our risk infrastructure, implementing risk measures and automated reporting
• Work directly inside Akuna’s highly abstract and automated computational framework
• Develop new ways to quantify risk and performance measures, working with market and historical data
• Assist in the setting, testing and monitoring of internal, exchange and third‑party trading system and positional limits

Qualities that make great candidates

• Finance experience or some knowledge of options theory
• Programming experience (e.g., Python); SQL is preferred but not required
• Numerical problem‑solving and programming skills
• Independent thinker, motivated with great attention to detail
• A degree in a quantitative field, or evidence of mathematical and quantitative skill
• 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

Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $90,000. 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.