Systematic Quantitative Researcher - PhD

Chicago Trading Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading proprietary trading firm in Chicago is seeking a Systematic Quantitative Researcher with a PhD in relevant fields to enhance their innovative trading capabilities. The candidate will analyze financial data, build predictive models, and collaborate closely with trading and technology teams. The ideal individual will possess advanced Python programming skills and a strong track record in quantitative research. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $175,000 to $200,000, plus potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to conduct independent, high-quality research.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and research results, both in writing and verbally.
• Unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with a drive for delivering commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market data to develop economic and microstructure hypotheses.
• Build predictive models to describe financial markets.
• Contribute to the improvement of research and trading infrastructure.

Skills

Analytical prowess

Programming skills

Ability to communicate complex ideas

Expertise in quantitative modeling techniques

Track record of publications

Advanced Python programming

Education

PhD in Science or Engineering fields

Tools

Python

C++

NumPy

Pandas

Job description

Systematic Quantitative Researcher - PhD

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

CTC is a cutting-edge proprietary trading firm with a long-term vision and a clear focus on helping the world price and manage risk. Our fun and trusting culture inspires us to solve the industry's most challenging problems and take calculated risks in a collaborative environment. We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better.

The Role

Quantitative research is a key driver of innovation at CTC and one of the pillars upon which our firm is built. As a Quantitative Researcher, you'll operate near the tip of the spear in a collaborative, dynamic environment. This includes close partnership with other researchers, traders, and engineers on quantitative problem-solving, trading strategy generation, back‑testing, statistical analysis, and system design. Our environment of collaborative innovation and intellectual curiosity allows us to share in our victories while continually challenging ourselves to stretch the limits of our creativity. Take advantage of this opportunity to apply the scientific method to business problems as part of one of our Quant teams at CTC! We prioritize team matching at the outset of our hiring process, thoughtfully considering which of our two teams (Vol Overlay or Delta Force) offers the best fit for each candidate's strengths and interests while also aligning to the firm's highest priority needs.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a Quantitative Researcher who can seamlessly blend academic rigor with practical application in our fast‑paced trading environment. This individual will partner with our Trading and Technology teams to strengthen, scale, and evolve the firm's trading capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of analytical prowess, programming skills, and eye for business, driving innovation and results in quantitative finance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market data to come up with economic and microstructure hypotheses
• Build predictive and explanatory models to describe financial markets
• Add revenue by applying thorough research processes to real‑life business problems
• Contribute to ongoing improvement of research and trading infrastructure

Qualifications

• PhD in Science or Engineering fields (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Operations Research)
• Proven ability to conduct independent, high‑quality research
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and research results, both in writing and verbally
• Unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with a drive for delivering commercial outcomes.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying quantitative modeling techniques to large, complex datasets
• Strong track record of publications in an industry setting
• Advanced Python programming skills

Nice to Have

• Proficiency in C++
• Experience in financial markets
• Experience using NumPy and Pandas libraries
• Experience with the software development lifecycle

Compensation

Salary Range: $175,000—$200,000 USD. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at [e-mail]. Note that emails sent to this email account for non‑disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Finance and Sales