Senior Quantitative Analyst (Remote-First)

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Remote-first

Professional development opportunities

Wellness programs and allowances

Global team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Quantitative Analyst for a fully remote-first role. You will develop, validate, and maintain complex financial models for pricing derivatives, risk management, and trading strategies, collaborating with traders, risk managers, and tech teams.

You will lead model validation, back-testing, and data-driven decision support, leveraging Python/C++/R, ML, and time-series techniques while aligning with regulatory and internal risk guidelines.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in quantitative field such as Financial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or Computer Science.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in quantitative finance.
• Proficiency in Python/C++/R and libraries commonly used in quantitative finance.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, derivatives, fixed income, and risk management.
• Experience with statistical modeling, time series analysis, and machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate sophisticated quantitative models for pricing derivatives and assessing market risk.
• Implement and optimize trading algorithms and strategies based on research and back-testing.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis and data mining of large datasets to identify trends.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate models into production systems.
• Prepare detailed documentation and present findings to senior management.

Skills

Python

C++

R

Time series analysis

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field

Tools

NumPy

SciPy

Pandas

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial institution, is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Quantitative Analyst to join their dynamic and innovative team. This is a fully remote-first position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge financial models and technologies. You will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and maintaining complex financial models for risk management, trading strategies, and derivative pricing. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of statistical modeling, programming, and financial markets. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including traders, risk managers, and technology developers, to deliver robust solutions that drive business growth and enhance decision-making processes. As a remote-first employee, you will be fully integrated into our virtual work environment, with comprehensive support and regular virtual team engagements to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate sophisticated quantitative models for pricing complex derivatives and assessing market risk.
• Implement and optimize trading algorithms and strategies based on quantitative research and back-testing.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis and data mining of large financial datasets to identify trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate models into production trading systems and risk management platforms.
• Prepare detailed documentation and present findings to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in quantitative finance, machine learning, and computational methods.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal risk policies.
• Provide analytical support for new product development and business initiatives.
• Mentor junior quantitative analysts and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Utilize advanced statistical and programming techniques to solve complex financial problems.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Financial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or Computer Science.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in quantitative finance, preferably within investment banking or hedge funds.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in quantitative finance, such as Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), C++, or R.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, derivatives, fixed income, and risk management principles.
• Experience with statistical modeling, time series analysis, and machine learning techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Familiarity with SQL and database management.
• Demonstrated experience in model validation and back-testing.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• As a remote-first employee, you will enjoy significant flexibility in your work schedule and location.
• We provide a robust virtual onboarding process and continuous professional development opportunities, including access to online courses and conferences.
• You will be part of a collaborative and supportive global team that values innovation and intellectual curiosity.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the firm are substantial.
• We also offer wellness programs and allowances to support your physical and mental well-being while working remotely.
• Join a forward-thinking company that is at the forefront of financial innovation and embraces a truly remote-first culture.