Systematic Quantitative Researcher - PhD

CTC Campus - Website; New York, Chicago (NY, IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is seeking a Systematic Quantitative Researcher to join its innovative team in New York. This role involves close collaboration with researchers, traders, and engineers, analyzing market data and developing financial models.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD, possess strong programming skills, and demonstrate a commitment to quality research, with a proven track record in quantitative finance. The compensation package includes a salary range of $175,000 – $200,000, plus potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to conduct independent, high‑quality research.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and research results.
• Strong track record of publications in an industry setting.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market data to develop 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 the ongoing improvement of research and trading infrastructure.

Skills

Analytical prowess

Programming skills

Quantitative modeling techniques

Advanced Python programming

Education

PhD in Science or Engineering fields

Tools

C++

NumPy

Pandas

Job description

Systematic Quantitative Researcher - PhD

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting‑edge trading technology. For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide — making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient.

Role Overview

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 will operate near the tip of the spear in a collaborative, dynamic environment. Your work will involve close partnership with other researchers, traders, and engineers on quantitative problem‑solving, trading strategy generation, back‑testing, statistical analysis, and system design. You will apply the scientific method to business problems as part of one of our Quant teams at CTC.

What We’re Looking For

We seek a candidate who combines academic rigor with practical application in a fast‑paced trading environment. The ideal candidate will bring analytical prowess, programming skills, and an eye for business, driving innovation and results in quantitative finance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market data to develop 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 the 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 with NumPy and Pandas libraries
• Experience with the software development lifecycle

Compensation

Salary Range: $175,000 – $200,000 USD. The role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on individual skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CTC is a proud equal opportunity employer. We do 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 provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

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.