Quantitative Researcher - PhD: 2027

SIG Susquehanna; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SIG Susquehanna, based in Pennsylvania, is looking for a Quantitative Researcher who will design and implement statistical and machine learning models. The role involves large-scale data analysis, model evaluations, and collaboration with traders to enhance trading strategies.

Ideal candidates are PhD graduates by Summer 2026 in quantitative fields. Strong programming skills in Python, along with analytical problem-solving abilities, are key qualifications for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• PhD graduates or postdocs in mathematics, physics, statistics, etc.
• Analytical problem-solvers with logical reasoning skills.
• Effective communicators in collaborative environments.
• Experience in programming for data processing.
• Strategic thinkers interested in competitive activities.

Responsibilities

• Apply statistical and machine learning techniques for model building.
• Optimize existing strategies and propose improvements.
• Backtest ideas using historical market data and research clusters.
• Participate in a comprehensive education program.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Python programming

C++ programming

Analytical problem-solving

Clear communication

Education

PhD or postdoc in quantitative fields

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.

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.