Principal Quantitative Researcher - Systematic

Chicago Trading Company; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Insurance coverage

Paid parental leave

Free breakfast and lunch

Wellness reimbursement

Job summary

Chicago Trading Company is seeking a Principal Quantitative Researcher to lead innovative research and enhance its trading capabilities. In this role, you will partner with Trading and Technology to drive new revenue through quantitative problem solving and system design.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field and have over 10 years of experience producing high-quality research. This position offers a hybrid work model in New York, NY with a competitive salary range of $250,000—$300,000 plus bonuses.

Generous benefits, including time off and wellness programs, reflect our commitment to employee well-being.

Qualifications

• 10+ years as a quantitative researcher in a systematic trading team.
• Proven ability to conduct independent, high-quality research.
• Experience with the software development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Define and articulate a long-term vision for revenue sources.
• Conduct revenue-generating research while supporting others.
• Develop a structured roadmap for quant functions.

Skills

Python

Statistical analysis

Quantitative research

Analytical skills

Communication

Programming skills

Education

PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering

Job description

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting‑edge trading technology. For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide, making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient. We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. CTC believes it makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of employees and the communities we serve.

Principal Quantitative Researcher

We are seeking a Principal Quantitative Researcher to partner with Trading and Technology to drive new revenue, scale, and evolve the firm's trading capabilities. In this role you will lead research areas, influencing the direction of the team in a dynamic environment. This includes partnership with other researcher managers, traders and engineers on quantitative problem solving, trading strategy generation, back‑testing, statistical analysis, and system design.

What You’ll Do

• Define and articulate a long‑term vision that will lead to new sources of revenue, evolving with business needs and market structure.
• Conduct commercially focused revenue‑generating research, while supporting others with their research.
• Develop a structured roadmap and ensure quant functions remain focused, aligned, and accountable.
• Direct development of innovative infrastructure across pricing models and research platforms.
• Foster coordination across risk management, development, and quantitative research to drive measurable business impact.
• Provide thought leadership while applying academic rigor to practical trading applications.

What We’re Looking For

• PhD in Science or Engineering fields (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering) strongly preferred.
• Experience in a top systematic trading team with at least 10 years as a quantitative researcher.
• Proven ability to conduct independent, high‑quality research.
• Demonstrable track record of generating positive PnL.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and research results, both in writing and verbally.
• Experience with the software development lifecycle and advanced programming skills.
• Unique combination of analytical prowess, programming skills, and acute understanding of business.
• Unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with a drive for delivering commercial outcomes.
• Strong Python skills including Numpy and Pandas libraries.

Nice to Haves

• Management experience leading a healthy and empowered team, driving accountability.
• Experience with a wide variety of market and alternative data.
• Expertise in US options markets, options pricing models, volatility surfaces, and risk management techniques.
• Strong track record of publications in an industry setting.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $250,000—$300,000 USD. The role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.

Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.

Our Benefits

We are committed to the well‑being of employees and their families, offering generous time off, insurance coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch, wellness reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits focused on the best employee experience.

(Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC)

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At CTC we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and ensures each person feels included, engaged and empowered. We are a proud equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information submitted by applicants may be subject to review by automated systems, including AI, as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are used to enhance hiring efficiency and effectiveness. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.