Optiver AI PhD Scholarship

The Optiver AI PhD Scholarship recognises outstanding PhD students in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from leading universities across mainland China.

The initiative is designed to support PhD candidates whose research advances AI or ML in meaningful ways. Selected scholars will gain early access to Optivers traders researchers and engineers along with the chance to see how their ideas translate into real quantitative models used in global markets.

Through this scholarship we aim to build long-term relationships with the AI and ML community and create clearer pathways for PhD talent who are exploring careers in the industry.

What youll get

As a recipient of the Optiver AI PhD Scholarship you will:

• Receive a CNY 100000 scholarship award in recognition of your research excellence and potential. *Awardees will be responsible for any taxes associated with this scholarship.
• Be given priority consideration for Optivers internship programs offering hands-on experience in applying AI and ML to real-world quantitative problems.
• Join a growing community of high-achieving scholars driving innovation at the intersection of AI ML and quantitative finance.

Who you are

We are seeking exceptional PhD students who meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning or a related discipline at a mainland China university.
• Expected to graduate in 2027 or later with at least two years remaining in the program.
• Demonstrated record of academic excellence and impactful research including publications in top-tier conferences such as NeurIPS ICML or ICLR.
• Passionate about applying AI and ML research to solve complex real-world challenges.

Who we are

Optiver is a global market maker founded in Amsterdam with offices in London Chicago Austin New York Sydney Shanghai Hong Kong Singapore Taipei and Mumbai. Established in 1986 today we are a leading liquidity provider with close to 2000 employees in offices around the world united in our commitment to improve the market through competitive pricing execution and risk management. By providing liquidity on multiple exchanges across the world in various financial instruments we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets. We provide liquidity to financial markets using our own capital at our own risk trading a wide range of products: listed derivatives cash equities ETFs bonds and foreign currencies.

Since its establishment in 2012 our Shanghai office is a rapidly growing participant in the Chinese markets trading exchange-listed futures options and equities in China mainland. Our vision is to become the trusted partner in the development of Chinese financial markets. With the culture of a start-up but the backing of a 35 year-old trading firm the Optiver Shanghai office is truly unique. Everyone who joins us will help shape the future of our company and its global impact. Get ready: we are only just beginning.

HOW TO APPLY

If youre ready to take the next step in your academic journey and contribute to one of the most exciting technology-driven trading firms in mainland China wed love to hear from you. Applications close on December 31 2025.

In your application please submit the following materials in English:

• Resume
• Cover letter (optional)

For any other inquiries contact us at

Diversity statement

Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process.

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