Quantitative Research Intern (PhD) - Summer 2027

IMC B.V.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodations included

Competitive compensation

Job summary

IMC invites you to join a 10-week internship as a Quant Researcher, working with a mentor to explore new research ideas and build analysis tools for potential deployment. You will gain exposure to options theory, market making, and trading analysis while a high-performing cohort participates in events and professional development.

The role emphasizes rigorous quantitative work, Python/C/C++ programming, and a path toward a full-time Graduate Quant Researcher position upon successful performance.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in a highly quantitative field (Math/Engineering/Statistics/Physics/CS).
• Strong numerical and analytical skills essential.
• Available to start internship in-person on June 7, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Quant Researchers on real projects impacting the business.
• Deepen understanding of options theory through classroom-based instruction.
• Develop research skills with mentor feedback and intern lead support.
• Build connections in an environment that rewards problem solving and teamwork.
• Attend professional development sessions and engage with current IMC employees.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Quantitative research

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

PhD candidate in quantitative field

Job description

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Quant Researcher at IMC. You will work alongside your mentor to explore new research ideas and build custom analysis tools that may be deployed into production. Throughout the summer, there will be opportunities to enhance your knowledge of options theory, market making, algorithm complexity and trades analysis. We provide a highly competitive compensation package with accommodations included. The bar for talent at IMC is high and interns who meet our performance expectations will have the opportunity to secure a full time Graduate Quant Researcher position at the end of the program. Where you go from here is up to you!

Your Core Responsibilities:

• Team up with Quant Researchers to work on real projects that have potential to impact our business
• Enhance your understanding of options theory through classroom-based instruction
• Develop your research skills with support and feedback from a dedicated mentor and intern lead
• Build valuable connections in an environment that recognizes and rewards problem solving, innovation and teamwork
• Engage in professional development sessions aimed at helping you envision your future at IMC
• Attend a full-schedule of events and social activities to get to know your cohort and current employees

Your Skills and Experience:

• Current university student graduating between September 2027 – July 2028 that is pursuing a PhD degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or another highly quantitative field
• Superior numerical, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Has a passion for research and solving complex problems
• A creative thinker who is driven, resilient, and eager to develop trading intuition
• Experience in a programming language (Python, C, C++) is highly desired
• Must be able to start internship in-person on June 7, 2027

You may submit one application per role each year. We strongly encourage you to focus on applying to a single role that best matches your skills and interests. Though you may apply to multiple roles, please note that each application will be evaluated based on the specific criteria established for that particular role.If you have already applied for this position during the current recruitment season and were not selected, you may reapply when the next recruitment season begins in 2027.

The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.

Base Salary: $250,000

About Us

IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we’ve been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.