Quantitative Researcher - SVT

Optiver; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 50%

Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage

25 paid vacation days

Extensive office perks including meals and social events

Job summary

Optiver in Chicago is seeking a Quantitative Researcher to develop and refine alpha-driven strategies in automated options trading. You will work alongside top professionals and play a vital role in optimizing trading performance.

Applicants should have 4-5+ years of relevant experience and a degree in a quantitative field. The role offers a competitive salary of $200,000, a global profit-sharing pool, and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• 4-5+ years of quantitative research experience, focused on alpha generation in equity or index options.
• Strong individual contributor who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑ownership environment.
• Ability to think differently and identify unique trading opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine alpha-driven strategies for automated options trading.
• Research and implement novel signals to optimize trading performance.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the team.

Skills

Quantitative research

Python

C++

Data analysis

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in a quantitative or technical field

Job description

What you’ll do:

• Develop and refine alpha-driven strategies for fully automated options trading.
• Research and implement novel signals, models, and execution techniques to optimize trading performance.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the team.

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries.
• A highly competitive compensation package.
• Global profit‑sharing pool and performance‑based bonus structure.
• 401(k) match up to 50%.
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage.
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays.
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more.

Who you are:

• 4‑5+ years of quantitative research experience, focused on alpha generation in equity or index options.
• BS, MS, and/or PhD in a quantitative or technical field.
• Strong individual contributor who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑ownership environment.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills (Python, C++, or similar).
• Ability to think differently, challenge assumptions, and identify unique trading opportunities.
• Excited to be an early‑stage team member, helping to build and scale a world‑class systematic vol trading effort.

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market‑making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

Base Salary Range

$200,000—$200,000 USD