Quantitative Researcher

Drweng; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with employer match

Life and AD&D insurance

Job summary

DRW invites a Quantitative Researcher to develop mathematical models and automated trading strategies across asset classes. You will work with a team of researchers, traders and software developers, with access to clean data and compute resources for exploratory analysis.

The role emphasizes independent research, rigorous validation and collaboration to translate ideas into production. Training will be provided to new researchers, and a discretionary bonus program is available.

Qualifications

• Degree in statistics, ML, signal processing, optimization or related field.
• Strong background in machine learning applied to real data.
• Experience handling large data sets and building models.

Responsibilities

• Extract predictive signals from financial data using statistical methods and ML.
• Collaborate with software developers to translate research into production systems.
• Improve order execution and risk management through quantitative research.
• Develop robust mathematical models to identify trading opportunities.
• Prototype algorithmic trades from trading ideas and automate decision making.

Skills

Python

R

MATLAB

C++

Large data handling

Statistical learning

Education

Technical degree in statistics/data science

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

C++

Job description

Our formula for success is to hire exceptional people, encourage their ideas and reward their results.

As a Quantitative Researcher, you will develop mathematical models using advanced statistical learning methods to build automated trading strategies across multiple asset classes. Our research team collaborates on idea generation and strategy development, while encouraging independent exploration and original approaches. You will have access to clean data integrated with compute resources and the support of experienced researchers, traders and dedicated software developers. You will conduct quantitative analysis of market data to uncover relationships and identify historical trends. We do not require familiarity with or prior experience in financial markets for this role. We will give you the training you need to be successful.

How you will make an impact

• Extract predictive signals from financial data through both traditional statistical analysis methods and cutting edge machine learning techniques
• Assist software developers to translate research strategies into production software
• Optimize the order execution and risk management of our trading system
• Create robust solutions to problems presented in the trading environment
• Formulate and apply mathematical modeling techniques to enhance existing trading strategies and perform innovative new research with the goal of identifying and capturing trading opportunities
• Automate human-decision based trading strategies; prototype algorithmic trades from trading ideas

You will be right at home if you have…

• A degree in a technical discipline with a focus on statistics, machine learning, signal processing, optimization and control graduating between December 2026 and August 2027 (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
• A curiosity for model development and experience handling large data sets
• Expertise in programming using Python, R, MATLAB, or C++ for conducting research
• Can advocate for your beliefs in a concise and effective way with the team
• Significant hands‑on experience applying machine learning algorithms to real world problems
• Strong problem‑solving and statistics skills
• The proactive ability to take the lead on assignments and deliver practical research results in a timely manner

DRW is a diversified trading firm with over 3 decades of experience bringing sophisticated technology and exceptional people together to operate in markets around the world. We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, so we operate using our own capital and trading at our own risk.

Headquartered in Chicago with offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, we trade a variety of asset classes including Fixed Income, ETFs, Equities, FX, Commodities and Energy across all major global markets. We have also leveraged our expertise and technology to expand into three non‑traditional strategies: real estate, venture capital and cryptoassets.

We operate with respect, curiosity and open minds. The people who thrive here share our belief that it’s not just what we do that matters–it's how we do it. DRW is a place of high expectations, integrity, innovation and a willingness to challenge consensus.

The annual base salary range for this position is $250,000 to $300,000 depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, DRW offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including group medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance, 401k (with discretionary employer match), short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts.

For more information about DRW's processing activities and our use of job applicants' data, please view our Privacy Notice at https://drw.com/privacy-notice.

California residents, please review the California Privacy Notice for information about certain legal rights at https://drw.com/california-privacy-notice.