Quantitative Research Intern
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Job Description
Here is the detailed breakdown:
About the company
Optiver is a prominent market making institution dedicated to improving the market. Their core mission involves injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and stabilizing the market regardless of conditions. They emphasize continuous improvement and prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest firms in their field, Optiver is a respected partner on over 100 exchanges across the globe. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence, valuing curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. They pride themselves on a supportive, high-performing environment and believe their differences are their edge, actively promoting diversity and not discriminating based on protected characteristics.
Job description, detailed
This role is for a Quantitative Research Intern at Optiver, with opportunities available in both the primary implied location and their Chicago office.
Role Summary:
As a Quantitative Research Intern, you will work closely with Optiver’s Research Team (comprising mathematicians, scientists, and technologists). Your primary focus will be to develop and enhance models that drive Optiver’s trading decisions. You will undertake a practical research project that has a real-world impact and directly influences the company’s trading strategies. Given the constantly evolving markets, your skills will be crucial in predicting market movements.
Key Responsibilities (What you’ll do):
• Delve into trading fundamentals under the guidance of Optiver’s in-house education team.
• Engage in research projects that significantly impact the business.
• Be paired with a seasoned Optiver researcher, gaining exposure to various research areas, including:
• Using statistical models and machine learning to develop trading algorithms.
• Leveraging big data technologies to analyze high-frequency trading strategies, market microstructure, and financial instruments to identify trading opportunities.
• Building stochastic models to determine the fair value of financial derivatives.
• Combining quantitative analysis and high-performance implementation to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of pricing engines and libraries.
What you’ll get (Benefits & Perks):
• Join a collaborative and excellent company culture with curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers.
• 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, New York City, or Amsterdam based on performance.
• A highly-competitive internship compensation package.
• Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends.
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, and sporting leagues.
Who you are (Qualifications):
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related STEM field.
• Outstanding academic performance.
• Expected graduation between December 2026 and June 2028.
• Available to intern during Summer 2026.
• Open to full-time opportunities upon graduation in 2027 or 2028.
• Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics.
• Excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills.
• Independent research experience.
• Proficiency in any programming language.
• Experience in machine learning, with practical applications in time-series analysis and pattern recognition.
• Strong interest in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Important Notes:
• Optiver is supportive of US immigration sponsorship for this role.
• Only one application per role per year is accepted. If you have been unsuccessful in applying to this position during the current season, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2026.
