Quantitative Research Intern, PhD (Summer 2027)
OptiverAbout the Role
As a Quantitative Research Intern, you'll work alongside researchers, engineers, and traders to tackle challenging quantitative problems in global financial markets. You'll analyze large-scale datasets, develop predictive models and algorithms, and apply statistical and machine learning techniques to uncover patterns in market behavior. Led by the Education team, you'll build a foundation in market structure and options theory through an apprentice-style learning model working alongside an experienced researcher on a project aligned with current business needs.
- 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 modern research techniques, including deep learning and AI-enabled workflows, to accelerate discovery and improve research efficiency
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or a related STEM field with outstanding academic performance
- Expected graduation between December 2027 – June 2029 and available to intern during Summer 2027
- Open to full-time opportunities upon graduation in 2028 or 2029
- Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics
- Excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills
- 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
- Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills
- If you have completed an online assessment or interviewed for a quantitative graduate or internship role at any Optiver location in the past 8 months, please note that you are not yet eligible to reapply
What You'll Get
- The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
- The opportunity to earn a return internship or full-time offer in Chicago, Austin, or New York City based on performance
- A highly-competitive internship compensation package
- Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends
- Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues, and more