Quantitative Researcher - SVT

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Department: Quantitative Research

Optiver is growing our Systematic Volatility Trading team and looking for an exceptional Quantitative Researcher to join us in the early stages. This is a rare opportunity to help define the direction of a fully automated options trading strategy, leveraging cutting-edge research to drive performance and profitability.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and refine alpha-driven strategies for fully automated options trading
• Research and implement novel signals, models, and execution techniques to optimize trading performance
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the team

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• A highly competitive compensation package
• Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

• 4-5+ years of quantitative research experience, focused on alpha generation in equity or index options
• BS, MS, and/or PhD in a quantitative or technical field
• Strong individual contributor who thrives in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills (Python, C++, or similar)
• Ability to think differently, challenge assumptions, and identify unique trading opportunities
• Excited to be an early-stage team member, helping to build and scale a world-class systematic vol trading effort

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.