Quantitative Researcher - Systematic

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making.  Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology.  For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient.

We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better.

Quantitative research is a key driver of innovation at CTC and one of the pillars upon which our firm is built. We are seeking a Quantitative Researcher to partner with Trading and Technology to strengthen, scale, and evolve the firm's trading capabilities within one of the quant research teams. As a Quantitative Researcher, you will be embedded on a research desk, working close to the tip of the spear in a dynamic environment. This includes partnership with other researchers, traders and engineers on quantitative problem solving, trading strategy generation, back-testing, statistical analysis, and system design. Our environment of collaborative innovation and intellectual curiosity allows us to share in our victories while continually challenging ourselves to stretch the limits of our creativity. Take advantage of this opportunity to apply the scientific method to business problems as part of the Quant team at CTC! 

What You’ll Do

• Analyze market data to come up with economic and microstructure hypotheses 


• Build predictive and explanatory models to describe financial markets 


• Add revenue by applying thorough research processes to real life business problems 


• Conduct independent, high quality research in quantitative finance 


• Communicate complex ideas and research results effectively, both in writing and verbally 


• Drive innovation and results through analytical prowess and business acumen 

What We’re Looking For

• PhD in Science or Engineering fields (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering) strongly preferred 


• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Quantitative Researcher in a top systematic trading team 


• Demonstrable track record of generating positive PnL 


• Advanced programming skills and experience with the software development lifecycle 


• Proven ability to blend academic rigor with practical application in fast-paced trading environments 


• Unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with a drive for delivering commercial outcomes 


• Python skills including Numpy and Pandas libraries 

Nice to Haves

• Experience with a wide variety of market and alternative data  


• Expertise in US options markets, options pricing models, volatility surfaces, and risk management techniques  


• Strong track record of publications in an industry setting 

Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.

Our Benefits 

We strongly believe in the well-being of our employees and their families so we offer outstanding benefits to support you both professionally and personally. These benefits include generous time off, insurance coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits focused on providing the best employee experience. 

(Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC) 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. 

If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at [email protected]. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.