Quantitative Research, PhD - Expression of Interest (US)

As a Quantitative Researcher at Optiver, you’ll work alongside researchers, engineers, and traders to tackle some of the most challenging quantitative problems in global financial markets. You’ll analyze large-scale datasets, develop predictive models and algorithms, and apply statistical machine learning methods to better understand market behavior and identify trading opportunities.

Research at Optiver is highly applied and end-to-end. You’ll frame research questions, test hypotheses, develop and validate models, and see your ideas evaluated in live market environments. Combining rigorous scientific thinking with powerful computational resources, you’ll transform insights into solutions that directly influence how we trade.

Explore Opportunities

We welcome interest from PhD students and graduates who have already completed their degree or expect to graduate by Summer 2030. Opportunities are available across our Chicago, Austin, and New York City offices.

Interested in joining us full-time in 2027? Our Quantitative Researcher, PhD position for a 2027 start is currently open for applications. If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply directly to the role: Graduate Quantitative Researcher, PhD (2027 Start)

Interested in opportunities beyond our current openings? Submit your resume through this Expression of Interest form to connect with our recruiting team and be considered as future opportunities become available.

What You’ll Do

Depending on your opportunity, you’ll participate in a structured onboarding and development program designed to build a strong foundation in market structure, options theory, and quantitative trading.

For internship opportunities, you’ll follow an apprentice-style learning model led by our dedicated Education team, working alongside an experienced researcher on a project aligned with current business needs.

For full-time opportunities, you’ll participate in Global Optiver Academy, our structured onboarding program for graduates. It gives new joiners a shared foundation in how Optiver trades, builds systems, and manages risk before they move into their teams.

Throughout your experience, you’ll gain exposure to our cutting-edge research infrastructure that supports development across the business, with the opportunity to contribute to several key areas:

• Develop predictive models and machine learning systems to better understand market behavior and identify trading opportunities

• Analyze large-scale market and order-flow data to uncover signals, evaluate hypotheses, and improve trading performance

• Build and test statistical and stochastic models for pricing, forecasting, and risk management

• Apply modern research techniques, including deep learning and AI-enabled workflows, to accelerate discovery and improve research efficiency

What You’ll Get

You’ll join a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Together, you’ll tackle some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets by leveraging cutting-edge machine learning research to develop innovative, real-world solutions.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries

• Highly competitive compensation packages tailored to internship and full-time opportunities

• Structured training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities

• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues, and more

Who You Are

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or a related STEM field, with outstanding academic achievements

• Excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills, with solid foundations in mathematics, probability, and statistics

• Experience applying machine learning methods to real-world research problems, such as time-series analysis, prediction, forecasting, pattern recognition, optimization, or decision-making

• Proficiency in any programming language

• Strong interest in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Who We Are

Optiver is a leading technology- and research-driven trading firm. Our teams of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and traders work side by side to develop, test, and scale ideas that shape how we understand and trade global markets. Powered by a global platform built for rapid experimentation and iteration, we combine the scientific rigor of a research institution with the pace of a technology company.

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.

Optiver is supportive of US immigration sponsorship for PhD Quantitative Research roles.