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Quantitative Researcher

Open 62d posting dated last month

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Quantitative Researcher at Akuna:

Akuna’s Trading and Research teams are seeking Quant Researchers to join a multidisciplinary group of mathematicians, statisticians, technologists and traders. These teams drive the development of trading strategies and predictive models by combining quantitative rigor with deep expertise in financial markets.

We are looking for talented researchers who can apply and develop machine learning algorithms to contribute to Akuna’s strategy portfolio. In this role, you will:

  • Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms
  • Drive improvements in predictive models through rigorous signal and feature research
  • Design and optimize machine learning workflows to support scalable, efficient, and reproducible research
  • Bring a results-driven mindset paired with strong collaboration and communication skills.

Qualities that make great candidates:

  • 3+ years of strong professional work experience in statistics, machine learning or related area
  • BS/MS/PhD degree in a technical field – Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics, or similar
  • Proven research background in academic or professional environment
  • Programming experience in Python or C++
  • Expertise in statistics and machine learning
  • Financial experience or knowledge of trading is a plus
  • The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want all groups to feel empowered to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note that level/title, as well as team placement, will be determined upon the conclusion of the interview process. If you are a current student or recent graduate, please take a look at our Entry Level and Intern positions.

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

What this application asks

greenhouse

First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Location

  • LinkedIn Profile optional
  • What is your legal first name? (Please also ensure that you input your legal first name in the *first name* field above.)
  • Do you go by any other name, other than the name indicated above?
  • We care about addressing everyone correctly. To help us get it right, please write out how your name is pronounced phonetically to share with the hiring team.
  • We care about addressing everyone correctly. Add your personal pronouns below to share with the hiring team. choose any
  • If you selected self-describe, please specify your pronouns. optional
  • Please note the expectation for this role is to work onsite in our Chicago office - please confirm this works for you. choose one
  • Are you a current student or recent graduate? choose one
  • What year did you receive your most recent degree? choose one
  • Do you have any previous experience working in the trading industry/financial markets? choose one
  • How did you hear about this job? choose one
  • If you selected 'Other', please list how you heard about this job: written answer · optional
  • How did you first hear about Akuna? choose one
  • If you heard about Akuna through an Akuna employee, please list their name: optional
  • Disclaimer: Akuna Capital is a global company which wants to attract the highest quality talent. We will sponsor any qualified candidate for US work authorization if we are legally able; including, but not limited to, the following work-authorized classifications: TN, E-3, STEM OPT, H-1B, H1B1, and more. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Please respond to the questions below so we may confirm your employment eligibility. Employment with Akuna Capital is subject to verification of an applicant’s identity and eligibility for employment as required by U.S. immigration laws. If hired, are you legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States? choose one
  • Do you now, or will you in the future, require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States (e.g. H-1B, TN, E-3)? choose one
  • If you answered “Yes” above to requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future for work authorization, please respond to the following questions. What is your current immigration status/basis of your current work authorization? choose one
  • If you have a current work authorization/status, when does it expire? (Please enter N/A if you do not require work authorization.)
  • If applicable, please list any extension options for your current work authorization status. (Please enter N/A if you do not require work authorization.)
  • Please provide additional detail about your sponsorship needs, current work authorization status, or eligibility for a work authorization status. (Please enter N/A if you do not require work authorization.)
  • I certify that all information I have provided in order to apply for this position with Akuna is true, complete, and accurate. I understand further that if any information provided by me is found to be false, misleading, or misrepresented in any respect, that will be sufficient cause to eliminate me from further consideration for employment or may result in my immediate termination, whenever it is discovered. choose one

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