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Quantitative Research Intern, PhD (Summer 2026)

Austin, Texas, United States; Chicago, Illinois, United States; New York, New York, United States

As a Quantitative Research Intern, you will work side-by-side with our Research Team of mathematicians, scientists and technologists, to develop and enhance the models that drive Optiver’s trading. You will tackle a practical research challenge that has real-world impact and directly influences Optiver’s trading decisions. In our business, where the markets are always evolving, you will use your skills to predict its movements.

What you’ll do:

Led by our in-house education team, you will delve into trading fundamentals and engage in a research project that makes a real-world impact. You will be paired with one of Optiver’s seasoned researchers, providing you exposure to a variety of 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.

Based on your performance during the internship, you could receive an offer to join our firm full-time after your studies or return as an intern the following summer, depending on when you graduate.

What you’ll get:

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues working collectively to tackle the toughest challenges in the financial markets.

Additionally, you’ll receive:

  • A highly-competitive internship compensation package
  • Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations and commuting stipends (where applicable)
  • Office perks, including fully paid commuting expenses, daily breakfast and lunch, social events and clubs

Who you are:

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics or a related STEM field with outstanding academic performance
  • Expected graduation between 2026 and 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
  • Knowledge of machine learning, time-series analysis, pattern recognition, and NLP is a plus
  • Strong interest in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills

Who we are: 

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise 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.

 

Diversity statement

Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.

For answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, refer to our Campus FAQs.

Optiver is supportive of US immigration sponsorship for this role.

 

*We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2026.

 

Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.

Base Salary Range

$70,000 - $70,000 USD

 

Below is the expected compensation for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale and sign-on bonus for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for the benefits listed above.

Base Salary Range

$70,000 - $70,000 USD

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