Graduate Quantitative Researcher (2027 Start)

About the role

Join Optiver’s Amsterdam quantitative research team in 2027, applying mathematics, programming, statistics and machine learning to pricing, forecasting and signal discovery. You’ll own research from question framing through production deployment, work with traders and engineers, and refine models using extensive market data, live performance and collaborative hypothesis testing.

Responsibilities

• Build pricing, forecasting and signal-discovery models using statistical, mathematical or machine-learning methods.
• Analyse market, order-flow and unstructured data to identify signals that improve strategies as conditions change.
• Monitor production models, interpret live behaviour and refine assumptions based on observed performance.
• Use deep learning and AI-enabled workflows to accelerate the process from hypothesis to evidence.
• Collaborate with researchers, traders and engineers to understand constraints affecting system performance.

Onboarding and Application

• Complete the Global Optiver Academy, covering trading, systems, risk management and relevant AI tools and technologies.
• Submit a CV in English through the online application form; email applications are not accepted.
• Selected candidates must complete online assessments within seven days of progressing to the next round.
• Applicants based in India enter through the placement-office internship hiring season in July or August.
• Candidates cannot reapply for eight months after an Optiver quantitative graduate or internship assessment or interview.

Requirements

• Degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, econometrics, computer science or an equivalent discipline, with outstanding academic achievement.
• Programming experience in any language; Python is preferred, while C, C++, BASIC and Java are also relevant.
• Ability to apply probability, calculus and linear algebra concepts to quantitative problems.
• Creative, versatile approach to innovation, with a competitive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to learn quickly and communicate fluently in written and spoken English.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus structure allowing employees to participate in Optiver’s global profit pool.
• Twenty-five paid vacation days during the first year, increasing to 30 from the second year.
• Training opportunities, health-benefit discounts, conferences, technology events and continuous learning support.
• Fully paid first-class commuting expenses, office meals, barista coffee and other workplace perks.
• Competitive relocation packages and visa sponsorship where necessary for expatriate employees.