Quantitative Researcher - SVT

Optiver; Illinois; On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 50%

Global profit-sharing pool

Performance-based bonus

Comprehensive health coverage

25 paid vacation days

Office perks: breakfast, lunch, snacks

Job summary

Optiver is seeking a Quantitative Researcher to join its Systematic Volatility Trading team. You will develop alpha-driven, automated options strategies and advance signals, models, and execution methods to boost performance.

You will collaborate with top professionals globally, benefit from a strong compensation package, and participate in a broad benefits program including 401(k) matching and generous vacation.

Qualifications

• 4-5+ years of quantitative research experience focusing on alpha generation in equity or index options
• Strong programming and data analysis skills (Python, C++, or similar)
• BS, MS, and/or PhD in a quantitative or technical field

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine alpha-driven strategies for fully automated options trading
• Research and implement novel signals, models, and execution techniques to optimize trading performance
• Shape the future of the Systematic Volatility Trading team

Skills

Quantitative research

Alpha generation

Python

C++

Data analysis

Fast-paced environment

Education

BS/MS/PhD in quantitative or technical field

Job description

What you’ll do

As a Quantitative Researcher on our Systematic Volatility Trading team, your key responsibilities include:

• 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.

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

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