Quantitative Researcher – SVT

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

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive compensation package

Global profit-sharing pool

401(k) match up to 50%

Comprehensive health, mental, dental, and vision coverage

Extensive office perks including meals and events

Job summary

A leading global trading firm is looking for a Quantitative Researcher to join their Systematic Volatility Trading team in Chicago. This role involves developing automated trading strategies and optimizing performance through research and innovation. The ideal candidate has 4-5 years of experience in quantitative research, preferably in options, along with strong programming skills in Python or C++. A highly competitive compensation package, including a discretionary bonus and comprehensive health benefits, is offered.

Qualifications

• 4-5+ years of quantitative research experience focusing on alpha generation.
• Strong individual contributor thriving in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to think differently and identify unique trading opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine alpha-driven strategies for fully automated options trading.
• Research and implement novel signals, models, and techniques to optimize performance.
• Help shape the future of the systematic volatility trading team.

Skills

Quantitative research experience

Alpha generation in equity or index options

Strong programming and data analysis skills

Python or C++

Education

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

Job description

Optiver is growing our Systematic Volatility Trading team and looking for an exceptional Quantitative Researcher to join us in the early stages. This is a rare opportunity to help define the direction of a fully automated options trading strategy, leveraging cutting‑edge research to drive performance and profitability.

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
• 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.

Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good‑faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.

Base Salary Range

$200,000 — $200,000 USD

Optiver is expanding its Systematic Options Trading Team and seeking exceptional Quantitative Researchers and Traders to drive its next phase of growth. You’ll join a team at the forefront of designing and optimizing our automated systems that work autonomously or alongside our operational options traders. With significant resources, cutting‑edge infrastructure, and a collaborative environment, you’ll …