Quantitative Research Intern
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Job Description
About the company
Optiver is a leading global market-making institution, dedicated to improving financial markets by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and stabilizing conditions for all participants. They operate as a respected partner on over 100 exchanges worldwide. Optiver emphasizes continuous improvement and safeguarding the health and efficiency of markets. The company values diversity, stating that “differences are our edge” and does not discriminate based on various protected characteristics. Optiver is also supportive of US immigration sponsorship for this role.
About the job
This is for a Quantitative Research Intern position, available in both Chicago and Austin offices.
The intern will work directly with Optiver’s Research Team, composed of mathematicians, scientists, and technologists. The core responsibility involves developing and enhancing the quantitative models that drive Optiver’s trading decisions. Interns will undertake a practical research project with real-world impact, directly influencing trading strategies by predicting market movements in an ever-evolving environment.
What you’ll do:
Under the guidance of Optiver’s in-house education team, interns will delve into trading fundamentals. Each intern will be paired with a seasoned researcher, gaining exposure to a variety of critical research areas, including:
• Developing trading algorithms using statistical models and machine learning.
• 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:
Interns will join a collaborative and high-performing culture, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. The environment fosters continuous improvement and provides support for tackling complex challenges in the financial markets. Specific benefits include:
• Working 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 complimentary breakfast, lunch, and snacks, regular social events, clubs, and sporting leagues.
Who you are (Eligibility):
Optiver is looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related STEM field, demonstrating 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.
• Possess a solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics.
• Exhibit excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills.
• Have independent research experience.
• Proficient 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.
Compensation:
The expected compensation for this position is a Base Salary Range of $70,000—$80,000 USD. This is an estimated base pay scale and sign-on bonus, with final offers determined by experience, education, skill set, and interview performance. The position is also eligible for the benefits listed above.
Optiver accepts one application per role per year. If a candidate was unsuccessful in a previous application for this position during the current season, they can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2026.
