Job Application for Quantitative Development & Strategy Intern, Summer 2027 | Harvard at Akuna Capital On-Campus Interviews

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Quantitative Development & Quantitative Strategy Intern at Akuna:

Akuna’s Quant team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets. The team is looking to add both Quant Development & Quant Strategy Interns to our team for our 10-week Akunacademy internship program who will make a direct and measurable impact on our trading decisions and performance.

The successful candidate will have a strong programming background, familiarity with mathematical techniques and the fluency to leverage both skills to produce trading solutions and high-performance production code. In these roles you will:

Design and develop production code of trading strategies: pricing models, execution logic and performance optimization along with researchers, traders and system engineers
Analyze and incorporate market signals in our trading systems
Advance existing codebase and propose new solutions and improvements

Requirements for these roles:

Pursuing a bachelors, masters, or PhD in a technical field – Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics (or related subject)
Strong Python programming background
Experience in object-oriented programming
Exposure to linear algebra and introductory statistics
Desire and ability to learn the intricacies of financial markets
Must graduate by August 2028
GPA of 3.5 or above
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using CPT, OPT or STEM

Qualities that make great candidates:

Experience with generic and/or parallel programming
Deeper understanding of any of the following fields: Linear Algebra, Numerical Methods, Statistics, Optimization, Signal Processing, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning, Heterogeneous/High Performance computing
The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role
Exposure to financial markets and trading

**Resumes must be submitted in PDF format.

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note: By submitting an application for this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest.

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

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By submitting this application and answering “yes” below, I acknowledge that this role is my top preference and I will not be considered for other Tech and/or Quant roles at Akuna for this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest.

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To be considered for this role, you must have earned a high school diploma (or an equivalent degree). Please confirm the month and year that most accurately reflects your high school (or equivalent) graduation:

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Did you complete our online Options 101 Course? If not, head to akunacapital.teachable.com for more information on this free course that is open to all!

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Akuna Capital is a global company which wants to attract the highest quality talent. We will sponsor any qualified candidate for US work authorization if we are legally able; including, but not limited to, the following work-authorized classifications: TN, E-3, STEM OPT, H-1B, H1B1, and more. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Please respond to the questions below so we may confirm your employment eligibility: Employment with Akuna Capital is subject to verification of an applicant’s identity and eligibility for employment as required by U.S. immigration laws. If hired, are you legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States?

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I acknowledge that my resume must be submitted in PDF format to be considered.

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I certify that all information I have provided in order to apply for this position with Akuna is true, complete, and accurate. I understand further that if any information provided by me is found to be false, misleading, or misrepresented in any respect, that will be sufficient cause to eliminate me from further consideration for employment or may result in my immediate termination, whenever it is discovered.

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Finally, for Akuna's future planning purposes, select which part of the title "Quantitative Developer & Strategist" resonates more with you as you think about your skills, interests, and career goals. We appreciate your feedback!

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U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

Akuna is an equal opportunity employer, and we believe that innovation begins with inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, and afford equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To ensure we comply with reporting requirements and to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process, we invite you to voluntarily share your demographic information. Any provided data will remain confidential, and will not be used in the hiring process or have any effect on your opportunity for employment.

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Quantitative Development & Strategy Intern, Summer 2027 | Harvard

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U.S. Standard Demographic Questions