Options Quantitative Researcher

L.Knighton; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

L.Knighton invites applications for a Systematic Quantitative Researcher / Options Quant in Chicago to work directly with the Head of Trading on researching, developing and enhancing systematic options trading strategies.

This genuinely hybrid role covers the full research lifecycle—from idea generation and alpha research to implementation and strategy development—with potential for increasing ownership and independence over time.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience at a prop trading firm or fund.
• Experience developing and validating systematic trading strategies.
• Strong statistical and mathematical modelling skills.
• Advanced Python programming skills.
• Strong background in options and volatility.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop systematic trading strategies and alpha signals.
• Build, test and improve quant/vol models using Python.
• Conduct statistical analysis on large datasets.
• Develop and maintain backtesting and research infrastructure.
• Work closely with the Head of Trading to support live trading/positions.
• Analyse market behaviour and identify new trading opportunities.
• Improve research workflows, automation and data pipelines.
• Collaborate on strategy implementation and performance analysis.

Skills

Python

Options pricing

Statistics

Backtesting

Data analysis

SQL

Education

PhD or MSc in quantitative discipline

Tools

Backtesting frameworks

Job description

One of our closest partners, and one of the longest-standing proprietary trading firms in Chicago, is looking to add a Systematic Quantitative Researcher / Options Quant to work directly alongside its Head of Trading, an experienced market participant who spent more than a decade at one of the world's leading multi-manager hedge funds on one of its most successful trading desks.

This is an opportunity to join a lean, high-performing team where you'll play a key role in researching, developing and enhancing systematic options trading strategies while working directly alongside the Head of Trading to support live trading. It's a genuinely hybrid role, offering exposure to the full research lifecycle - from idea generation and alpha research through to implementation and strategy development - with the opportunity to build a track record and take on increasing ownership and independence over time.

This is not a fully automated HFT or execution-only systematic role. Instead, you'll be responsible for researching new ideas, developing alpha signals, improving systematic strategies and working closely with trading to drive investment decisions.

We're open to candidates from fully systematic, systematic discretionary or quantitative research backgrounds who are looking for a role with significant autonomy and a clear path towards owning strategies. Ideally between 5-8 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop systematic trading strategies and alpha signals.
• Build, test and improve quant/vol models using Python.
• Conduct statistical analysis on large datasets.
• Develop and maintain backtesting and research infrastructure.
• Work closely with the Head of Trading to support live trading/positions.
• Analyse market behaviour and identify new trading opportunities.
• Improve research workflows, automation and data pipelines.
• Collaborate on strategy implementation and performance analysis.

Requirements

• Strong background in options and volatility - equity options preferable.
• Advanced Python programming skills.
• Experience developing and validating systematic trading strategies.
• Strong statistical and mathematical modelling skills.
• Experience with backtesting and financial data analysis.
• 4+ years of experience at a prop trading firm or fund.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with SQL and large datasets is a plus.
• PhD or MSc in a quantitative discipline preferred (Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Financial Engineering, etc.).
• Statistical Arbitrage
• Time Series Analysis

Ideal Background

We're interested in candidates with experience in areas such as:

• Options and Vol
• Equity Derivatives
• Equity Index Options
• Systematic Trading
• Quantitative Research
• Algorithmic Trading

Location

Chicago

Compensation

Flexible/competitive

Only applicable to US citizens or residents with working rights at the moment. The successful candidate must be in Chicago IL currently. The role is a top priority for the client, whom we have direct access to via phone/text, for quick scheduling/feedback.