Quantitative Researcher, PhD

Aquatic Capital Management; New York, Chicago (NY, IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision

Competitive 401(k) plan

Life & disability insurance

Generous PTO and holidays

Team events and learning environment

Job summary

Aquatic Capital Management is seeking a Quantitative Researcher in Chicago to develop signals, models, and trading strategies. The role involves designing and implementing components of the research system and evaluating effectiveness with rigorous statistical methods.

Ideal candidates have a PhD or postdoc in a quantitative field, strong programming skills in Python or C++, and a track record of solving data-intensive problems. Collaboration and clear communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Active PhD graduates or Postdocs pursuing a degree in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, computer science, or another scientific discipline
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities
• Programming proficiency in Python or C++
• Experience solving data‑intensive problems
• Experience with statistical or applied mathematical research
• Participation in mathematical competitions (e.g., IMO, Putnam)
• Prior experience in a quantitative role within a trading environment
• Exceptional rigor, curiosity, and collaboration

Responsibilities

• Develop signals, models, and trading strategies for financial markets.
• Design and implement components of the research system.
• Evaluate effectiveness using rigorous statistical methods.
• Collaborate across disciplines and communicate insights.

Skills

Python

C++

Mathematics/Statistics

Quantitative modeling

Communication

Education

PhD or Postdoc in Mathematics/Statistics/ML/Physics/CS

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

About Aquatic

Aquatic was founded with a shared passion for tackling some of the most complex challenges in one of the world’s most competitive arenas—global financial markets. From the beginning, we have been driven by a deep commitment to applying cutting‑edge scientific research and technological innovation to deliver unparalleled performance. Our journey is one of continuous growth and exploration, marked by curiosity and relentless drive for excellence.

Role Overview

As a Quantitative Researcher, you will work with a team to develop signals, models, and strategies for trading financial markets. You will design and implement components of our research system and evaluate their effectiveness using rigorous statistical methods. You will have exposure to multiple areas of research and rapidly grow your knowledge in quantitative finance.

Candidate Requirements

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

Compensation

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 a discretionary bonus, which can represent a significant portion of total compensation. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s unique skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents; competitive 401(k) 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 leave

Equal Opportunity

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.