Quantitative Researcher, PhD

Aquatic Capital Management; Illinois; On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Competitive 401k plan

Employer-paid life & disability insurance

Wellness programs

Casual dress

Game room

Generous PTO

Job summary

Aquatic Capital Management is seeking a Quantitative Researcher in the United States, Illinois. This role involves developing signals, models, and strategies for trading financial markets, along with designing and implementing research system components. Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field, possess exceptional mathematical and analytical skills, and be proficient in Python or C++. The position offers a competitive salary between $150,000 and $200,000 and various benefits including medical, dental, and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• Active PhD graduates or Postdocs in relevant scientific disciplines.
• Exceptional mathematical and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Mathematical ability

Analytical skills

Problem-solving ability

Programming proficiency in Python or C++

Experience in data-intensive problems

Statistical research experience

Competition experience (IMO, Putnam)

Prior experience in quantitative trading

Education

PhD in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, or computer science

Job description

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 very 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 a spirit of curiosity and relentless drive for excellence.

As a Quantitative Researcher, you will work with a team to develop a variety of signals, models, and strategies for trading financial markets. As part of the role, 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. As part of a small team with exposure to multiple areas of research, 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

This role represents a unique opportunity to join a quantitative investment manager in its early stage of growth. The firm’s culture will be shaped by collaboration, meritocracy, ambition, and calm determination.

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.