Graduate Quantitative Researcher, PhD (2027 Start)

As a Graduate Quantitative Researcher, you'll tackle some of the most challenging quantitative problems in global financial markets. Working alongside researchers, engineers, and traders, you'll analyze large-scale datasets, develop predictive models and algorithms, and apply statistical and machine learning techniques 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 modern AI-enabled research infrastructure, you'll transform insights into solutions that directly influence how we trade.

This opportunity is also available in our Chicago and Austin offices.

Your onboarding: You'll participate in Global Optiver Academy, a 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. As part of your onboarding, you'll gain exposure to the AI tools and technologies that support research and development across the business.

• 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

As part of our assessment process, you may be invited to participate in a multi-day, on-site evaluative program. Through hands-on workshops, technical discussions, and direct exposure to our researchers and traders, you'll gain insight into how research is applied at Optiver and how PhD students transition successfully into industry.