Graduate Quantitative Researcher PhD 2027 Start
Optiver is a global technology- and research-driven proprietary trading firm and market maker providing liquidity across financial markets, including through an active 24/7 Digital Assets desk.
About Optiver
Founded in Amsterdam in 1986, Optiver uses its own capital, quantitative research and proprietary technology to continuously quote, price and trade financial instruments across global markets. Its activities include listed derivatives, cash equities, ETFs, bonds, foreign currencies and digital assets; its Digital Assets desk operates crypto options market-making strategies across major venues with follow-the-sun coverage.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will analyze large-scale market and order-flow data, frame research questions, test hypotheses, and develop and validate predictive, statistical, and stochastic models. You will apply machine learning, deep learning, and AI-enabled workflows to research market behavior, pricing, forecasting, risk management, and trading opportunities.
Requirements
- PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or a related STEM field with outstanding academic achievements
- Expected to graduate by mid-2027 and available to start full-time employment upon graduation
- Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics
- Excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills
- Experience applying machine learning methods to real-world research problems
- Proficiency in any programming language
- Fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills
Responsibilities
- Develop predictive models and machine learning systems to 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 deep learning and AI-enabled workflows to accelerate discovery and improve research efficiency
Benefits
- Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
- 401(k) match up to 50%
- Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
- 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
- Office meals, snacks, social events, clubs, and sporting leagues
Hiring Process
May include a multi-day on-site evaluative program with hands-on workshops, technical discussions, and exposure to researchers and traders; attendance and successful completion may be required to receive an internship offer.