Quantitative Researcher – PhD: 2027

Trading Interview; New York (NY); On-site; USD 255,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education program

Senior mentorship

Visa sponsorship

Job summary

Susquehanna seeks a Quantitative Researcher to blend research with trading, building statistical models, backtesting on historical data, and implementing strategies. You will work with traders and technologists to push ideas into production and benefit from a structured education and mentorship program.

PhDs or postdocs in quantitative fields are encouraged, with Python expertise and C++ as a plus. Visa sponsorship is available; roles are based in New York and Philadelphia offices.

Qualifications

• PhDs graduating by Summer 2026 or postdocs in mathematics, physics, statistics, EE, CS, OR, or economics.
• Strong analytical and logical reasoning; data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
• Experience with Python; C++ or another low-level language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Model development using statistical and ML techniques.
• Backtest ideas on historical data and large compute clusters.
• Collaborate with traders and technologists to productionize strategies.
• Contribute to robust, long-term research initiatives.

Skills

Python programming

C++

Data analysis

Machine learning

Problem solving

Education

PhD in quantitative field

PhD candidate by Summer 2026

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

Overview

As a Quantitative Researcher at Susquehanna, you’ll blend strong research capabilities with a deep understanding of trading to design, validate, backtest, and implement statistical and advanced machine learning models. Your work will span a range of initiatives, including large-scale data analysis, alpha signal research, and strategy performance enhancement. While there is some overlap with the Quantitative Systematic Trader role, quantitative researchers typically focus more on model development, robustness, and long‑term reliability.

What you can expect

• Modelling: Apply probability theory, statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques to build robust models and generate alphas.
• Execution: Propose improvements or optimize existing strategies.
• Evaluation: Backtest ideas using historical market data and large research clusters.
• Education: Participate in a comprehensive education program and receive personalized mentorship from senior professionals to accelerate your growth.
• Collaboration: Work in an open environment that allows you to collaborate with systematic traders and technologists to push strategies into production.

What we're looking for

• PhDs graduating by Summer 2026 or postdocs in quantitative fields such as mathematics, physics, statistics, electrical engineering, computer science, operations research, or economics.
• Analytical problem-solvers with excellent logical reasoning and a passion for turning data into decisions.
• Clear communicators in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.
• Programmers comfortable processing and analyzing large data sets in Python; experience with C++ (or another low-level language) is a plus.
• Strategic thinkers with demonstrated interests in strategic games and/or competitive activities.
• Self‑motivated and quick to learn, thriving in dynamic, fast‑moving environment.
• Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

By applying to this role, you will be automatically considered for the Quantitative Systematic Trader position. There is no need to apply to both positions to be considered for both.

Opportunities as a Quantitative Researcher and as a Quantitative Systematic Trader will be available in our Philadelphia and New York offices.

The annual base pay for this role is $300,000. Susquehanna considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, work experience, education/training, key skills, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

About Susquehanna

Susquehanna is a global quantitative trading firm powered by scientific rigor, curiosity, and innovation. Our culture is intellectually driven and highly collaborative, bringing together researchers, engineers, and traders to design and deploy impactful strategies in our systematic trading environment. To meet the unique challenges of global markets, Susquehanna applies machine learning and advanced quantitative research to vast datasets in order to uncover actionable insights and build effective strategies. By uniting deep market expertise with cutting‑edge technology, we excel in solving complex problems and pushing boundaries together.

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