Quantitative Researcher – PhD Hire

Overview

We’re looking for accomplished researchers who are interested in growing their career in the field of quantitative finance. Our Quantitative Researchers apply mathematics, statistics, and programming to solve complex problems found in our trading environment. While the problems we solve at SIG are often different from academia, our problems demand the attention of brilliant minds that have an extraordinary attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of understanding.

What you’ll do

The general lifecycle of a quant project begins with an idea:

• This idea can come from anyone: you, the mentor who sits beside you, or someone you meet in the cafeteria.
• As a Quantitative Researcher, you will investigate that idea by immersing yourself in market data, leveraging tools in mathematics, statistics, and programming.
• Through your research, you may discover a new pattern that can transform into a trading signal.
• You will work side-by-side with technologists in order to backtest your results and put that trading signal into production.
• Once that signal is embedded in our electronic trading strategies, you will continue to do research on that strategy in order to optimize its performance.
• As your trading strategy evolves, you will discuss with other researchers, strategists, and traders to collect feedback and brainstorm new ideas.
• Some of those ideas will turn into new quant projects, and the life cycle starts all over again.

We have a comprehensive orientation program designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Education topics include an introduction to options pricing, exposure to our proprietary data sets, and opportunities to practice data analysis techniques. Beyond orientation, our trading floor serves as an unlimited source of discussion for learning and development.

Read about Robert’s ‘Day in the life’ as a Quantitative Researcher.

What we're looking for

• PhD in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research, or Economics
• Exceptional mathematical problem-solving skills
• Solid communication skills, both in the ability to understand others and to make yourself clearly understood
• Strong, practical computing skills; a specific language proficiency is less important than your ability to get computers to accomplish tasks efficiently and reliably
• Experience working on in-depth research projects
• Finance experience is not a requirement

What’s in it for you

• Our market leading education program, incorporating classroom theory, simulated learning, and a secondment to our Philadelphia office is renowned to set graduates up for success.
• Our non-hierarchical culture allows employees of every level to thrive and have an impact. We are not your typical trading firm – the environment is casual, collaborative and we focus on continuous development.
• Highly competitive remuneration, attractive bonus, and additional leave entitlements.
• Private healthcare and gym allowances, plus wellness initiatives.
• Fully stocked kitchen - daily breakfast and lunch.
• Regular social, sporting, and community events.
• Visa sponsorship and relocation package where required.
• Explore our benefits and culture link

Interview Process

Apply -> Online Assessments -> Recruiter Interview -> Technical Interview -> Final Round Interviews -> Job Offer!

By applying to this role, you will be automatically considered for the Quantitative Systematic Trader position. There is no need to apply to both positions in order to be considered for both.

Equal Opportunity statement

We encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

About SIG

SIG is a global quantitative trading firm founded by a group of friends who share a passion for game theory and probabilistic thinking. We have incorporated this approach into our culture, where you will find relentless problem solvers within each of our core disciplines: Trading, Technology, and Quantitative Research. From offices around the world, our employees collaborate to make optimal decisions and are driven by the desire to achieve winning results together. 

What we do

We are experts in trading essentially all listed financial products and asset classes, with a focus on derivatives trading. Through market making and market taking, we handle millions of trading transactions around the world every day, providing liquidity and ensuring competitive prices for buyers and sellers. While our presence in the market is broad, our trading desks are highly specialized, allowing for a deep understanding of unique drivers of each asset class.

SIG does not post salary information, so any salary information you find online may not be accurate because it was not provided or verified by SIG.

SIG does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or search firms. Any resume or referral submitted in the absence of a signed agreement will become the property of SIG and no fee will be paid.

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.