PhD Systematic Quantitative Researcher
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Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 200000 - 225000
Posted on:
07-11-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
CTC is a cutting-edge proprietary trading firm with a long-term vision and a clear focus on helping the world price and manage risk. Our fun and trusting culture inspires us to solve the industrys most challenging problems and take calculated risks in a collaborative environment.
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.
The Role
Quantitative research is a key driver of innovation at CTC and one of the pillars upon which our firm is built. As a Quantitative Researcher youll operate near the tip of the spear in a collaborative dynamic environment. This includes close 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 one of our Quant teams at CTC!
We prioritize team matching at the outset of our hiring process thoughtfully considering which of our two teams (Vol Overlay or Delta Force) offers the best fit for each candidates strengths and interests while also aligning to the firms highest priority needs.
What Were Looking For
We are seeking a Quantitative Researcher who can seamlessly blend academic rigor with practical application in our fast-paced trading environment. This individual will partner with our Trading and Technology teams to strengthen scale and evolve the firms trading capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of analytical prowess programming skills and eye for business driving innovation and results in quantitative finance.
Responsibilities
- 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
- Contribute to ongoing improvement of research and trading infrastructure
Qualifications
- PhD in Science or Engineering fields (e.g. Statistics Mathematics Applied Mathematics or Operations Research)
- Proven ability to conduct independent high-quality research
- Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and research results both in writing and verbally
- Unwavering commitment to quality coupled with a drive for delivering commercial outcomes.
- Demonstrated expertise in applying quantitative modeling techniques to large complex datasets
- Strong track record of publications in an industry setting
- Advanced Python programming skills
Nice to Have
- Proficiency in C
- Experience in financial markets
- Experience using NumPy and Pandas libraries
- Experience with the software development lifecycle
Compensation
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individuals skills experience qualifications and firm performance.
Salary Range
$200000 - $225000 USD
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 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.
Key Skills
- Intelligence Community Experience
- Python
- Spss
- Microsoft Word
- R
- Regression Analysis
- Windows
- Stata
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Research Experience
- Data Modeling
- Writing Skills
