Quantitative Researcher, PhD

Aquaticcapitalmanagement; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents

Competitive 401k plan

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Wellness programs

Casual dress and snacks

Job summary

Aquaticcapitalmanagement is seeking a Quantitative Researcher in Chicago, IL, who will develop trading signals and models, evaluate their effectiveness, and contribute to various components of the research system. The ideal candidate will be an active PhD graduate or Postdoc in a scientific discipline with strong mathematical and programming skills.

The base salary is between $150,000 and $200,000, alongside potential bonuses and benefits such as fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, a competitive 401k plan, and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• Active PhD graduates or Postdocs pursuing a degree in relevant scientific disciplines.
• Exceptional mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving ability.
• Prior experience in a quantitative role within a trading environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop a variety of signals, models, and strategies for trading financial markets.
• Design and implement components of the research system.
• Evaluate effectiveness using rigorous statistical methods.

Skills

Mathematical and analytical problem-solving

Programming proficiency in Python or C++

Data-intensive problem solving

Statistical or applied mathematical research

Participation in mathematical competitions

Education

PhD or Postdoc in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, computer science or related field

Job description

As a Quantitative Researcher, you will work with a team to develop a variety of signals, models, and strategies for trading financial markets. You will be responsible for the design and implementation of various components of our research system, and you will evaluate their effectiveness by using rigorous statistical methods. Working in a small team, you will have the opportunity to rapidly grow your knowledge of quantitative finance.

Candidate requirements

• Active PhD graduates or Postdocs pursuing a degree in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, computer science, or other scientific discipline
• Exceptional mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving ability
• Programming proficiency in Python or C++
• Experience in solving data‑intensive problems a plus
• Demonstrated ability to complete statistical or applied mathematical research a plus
• Successful participation in mathematical competitions a plus e.g., IMO, Putnam
• Prior experience in a quantitative role within a trading environment a plus

Desired qualities

• Intellectually curious, creative, and rigorous
• Willingness to challenge assumptions and revise opinions in the face of compelling evidence
• Self‑motivated and highly productive, with a strong sense of urgency and accountability
• Willing to take ownership of one’s work, working both independently and within a small team
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple threads of work
• Able to work across disciplines
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Comfortable providing and receiving actionable feedback in a collaborative team setting

The base salary for this role is anticipated to be between $150,000 and $200,000, which is based on information at the time of posting. This position may also be eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as a discretionary bonus, and benefits. Discretionary bonus can be a significant portion of total compensation. Actual compensation for successful candidates will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their unique skills, qualifications and relevant experience.

Benefits

• For full‑time employees, fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, competitive 401k plan, employer‑paid life & disability insurance
• Wellness programs, casual dress, snacks, lunch, game room, team and company events
• Open environment to maximize learning and knowledge sharing
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, competitive paid caregiver leaves

Aquatic is a proud equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.