Quantitative Systematic Trading Intern

Job Description

About the Company

The company is Susquehanna (also referred to as SIG, as seen in the recruitment agency email address sig.com). It is a firm that focuses on quantitative systematic trading. They are described as providing “the best quant internship program in the industry,” suggesting a strong commitment to talent development and a leading position in their field. Their work involves advanced quantitative analysis, machine learning, and strategic execution in financial markets.

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Job Description: Quantitative Systematic Trading Intern

This internship is designed to immerse PhD students in the practical work of a full-time quantitative systematic trading professional at Susquehanna. It offers a structured learning environment combined with hands-on project experience.

Overview of the Role:
As a Quantitative Systematic Trading Intern, you will engage in projects that mirror the tasks of full-time employees. The program includes a comprehensive educational component and provides access to mentors who are experts in quantitative finance, enabling you to build a strong foundation in the field. A key aspect of the role is the opportunity to develop alphas on an actual trading strategy.

What You Can Expect (Key Responsibilities & Activities):

• Modelling: You will apply advanced quantitative techniques, including probability theory, statistical analysis, and machine learning, to predict market behavior and generate ‘alphas’ (signals that predict future price movements and are used to create trading strategies).
• Execution: You will be responsible for creating strategies to execute your modelling ideas, operating under conditions that simulate real-world market competition.
• Evaluation: A crucial part of the process involves backtesting your ideas using extensive historical market data. Based on these evaluations, you will revise and refine your strategies for optimal performance.
• Breadth: The internship offers a broad exposure, allowing you to explore all facets of quantitative work and gain insight into different operational areas within Susquehanna’s business.
• Education: You will benefit from a comprehensive education program and receive personalized mentorship from experienced professionals, designed to significantly accelerate your professional growth.
• Collaboration: The work environment is open and highly collaborative, providing ample opportunities to interact with multiple teams and gain exposure to various groups and departments across the business.

What We’re Looking For (Required Qualifications & Skills):

• Educational Background: Candidates must be PhDs (in their penultimate or final year) from highly quantitative fields such as Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research, or Economics.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: You should be an analytical problem-solver with excellent logical reasoning abilities and a strong passion for transforming data into actionable decisions.
• Communication Skills: The role requires clear communicators who can thrive in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.
• Programming Proficiency: You must be comfortable processing and analyzing large data sets using Python. Experience with C++ (or another low-level language) is considered a significant plus.
• Strategic Thinking: Applicants should be strategic thinkers with a demonstrated interest in strategic games and/or competitive activities, which indicates an aptitude for competitive and complex problem-solving.
• Personal Attributes: You should be self-motivated and quick to learn, capable of thriving in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

Application & Location Details:

• By applying for this role, you will be automatically considered for the Quantitative Research Internship program as well, eliminating the need for separate applications.
• Internship opportunities are available in Susquehanna’s Philadelphia and New York offices.

Compensation & Benefits:

• PhD quantitative systematic trading interns will receive a $6000 weekly base salary during the ten-week program.
• In addition to the salary, interns will receive a signing bonus, housing, breakfast and lunch, and various other perks.