Quantitative Research Intern, Summer 2027

Trading Interview; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Akuna Capital is seeking Quantitative Research Interns for a 10-week Akunacademy program in our Chicago office. You will work alongside mathematicians, statisticians and technologists to build trading strategies and apply machine learning to derivative markets.

You will develop strategies, design optimization methods and explore new research topics, with a focus on statistics, ML and quantitative modeling. Applicants must be pursuing relevant degrees and graduate by Aug 2028.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics (or a related subject).
• Expertise in statistics and machine learning.
• Experience building mathematical models for complex real-world problems.
• Intermediate programming skills in Python.
• Ability to quickly respond to changing market conditions and solve math problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms.
• Design and implement optimization algorithms for portfolio construction.
• Advance existing initiatives and explore new research topics.

Skills

Statistics

Machine learning

Python

Mathematical modeling

Quant research

Education

Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics (or related)

Job description

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 the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Quantitative Research Intern at Akuna:

Akuna’s Quant team is looking to add Quant Research Interns to a team of mathematicians, statisticians and technologists for our 10-week Akunacademy internship program in our Chicago office. This team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets.

We are looking for talented researchers who can apply and develop machine learning algorithms to contribute to Akuna’s strategy portfolio. In this role you will:

• Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms.
• Design and implement optimization algorithms for portfolio construction.
• Advance existing initiatives and explore opportunities for new research topics.

Qualities that make great candidates:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s, masters or PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics (or a related subject)
• Expertise in statistics and machine learning
• Experience building mathematical models for complex real‑world problems
• Intermediate programming skills in Python
• 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 are essential functions of the role
• Financial experience is not a requirement
• Must graduate by August 2028
• GPA of 3.5 or above
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using CPT, OPT or STEM

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!