Quantitative Research Intern (PhD) - Summer 2027

IMC Trading; Illinois; On-site; USD 213,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

IMC Trading’s 10-week internship offers a hands-on experience as a Quant Researcher. You will work with mentors to explore new research ideas and build analysis tools that may go to production. During the program you’ll deepen knowledge of options theory, market making, and trades analysis.

Strong performers may secure a full-time Graduate Quant Researcher position at the end of the internship. Base compensation is competitive and includes accommodations.

Qualifications

• Current university student graduating between Sep 2027 and Jul 2028 pursuing a PhD in a quantitative field.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Passion for research and problem solving.
• Creative thinker driven to develop trading intuition.
• Experience in Python, C or C++ is highly desirable.
• Available to start internship in-person on June 7, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Quant Researchers on real projects that could impact the business.
• Enhance understanding of options theory through classroom-style instruction.
• Develop research skills with mentorship and intern lead feedback.
• Build connections in an environment that rewards problem solving, innovation and teamwork.
• Participate in professional development sessions to plan your future at IMC.
• Attend events and network with cohort and employees.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Analytical thinking

Research mindset

Trading intuition

Education

PhD candidate in a 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

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 research-driven trading firm where quantitative modeling, machine learning, and engineering shape how modern markets are traded. A stabilizing force in markets since 1989, we provide liquidity across trading venues, delivering the best outcome in value and risk management to investors. Using our own technology and capital, we build proprietary systems and algorithms that operate across global markets. Our researchers, traders, and engineers work as a collective, combining rapid experimentation, advanced infrastructure, and real-time feedback to turn insight into execution and execution into advantage.