If you enjoy using mathematics and code to investigate difficult questions, you could make a direct contribution to Optiver’s success in global markets. As a Graduate Quantitative Researcher, you’ll work across the full research process, from framing the question and choosing the data to building, testing, and deploying models. Machine Learning is central to the work, whether you’re extracting signals, forecasting prices, or modeling relationships. Our data, compute, and production infrastructure let you test ideas quickly, understand where they fail, and decide what to investigate next.

About the Company

Optiver is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence, where innovative thinkers and problem solvers thrive. We believe in academic discourse and invite fellow researchers, traders, and engineers to challenge each hypothesis, ensuring diverse perspectives enhance our models.

The Role

In this role, you will participate in the Global Optiver Academy, a structured onboarding program for graduates that provides a shared foundation in trading, system building, and risk management. You will gain exposure to AI tools and technologies that support research and development.

Responsibilities

• Own the research process end-to-end, depending on your team.
• Build models for pricing, forecasting, and signal discovery, selecting the appropriate statistical or machine learning methods.
• Analyze petabytes of market, order-flow, and unstructured data to identify signals that improve strategies.
• Monitor models in production and refine assumptions based on live behavior.
• Collaborate with researchers, traders, and engineers to shape problems and understand system constraints.

Requirements

• Academic degree in Engineering, Physics, Maths, Econometrics, Computer Science, or equivalent with outstanding achievements.
• Programming experience in any language (preferably Python; C, C++, Basic, Java are also beneficial).
• Ability to apply concepts of probability, calculus, and linear algebra.
• Competitive attitude and eagerness to improve.
• Quick learner with excellent verbal and written English skills.

What We Offer

• A performance-based bonus structure tied to our global profit pool.
• Opportunity to work with top professionals from over 50 countries.
• 25 paid vacation days in your first year, increasing to 30 in subsequent years.
• Training opportunities, health benefits, and fully paid first-class commuting expenses.
• Extensive office perks, including meals, coffee, massages, and more.
• Continuous learning opportunities, including access to conferences and tech events.
• Competitive relocation packages and visa sponsorship for expats.

Application Process

To apply for the Graduate Quantitative Researcher position, please submit your CV in English via the form below. We cannot accept applications via email for data protection reasons. If selected, you will need to complete online assessments within 7 days of application submission. We do not require assistance from third parties in the recruitment process. For any inquiries, please contact our Recruitment team through the designated form.

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. Please inform us if you require any adjustments by contacting the Recruitment team.

For applicants based in India, our entry route is through the placement office internship hiring season in July/August. Note that if you have completed an online assessment or interviewed for a quantitative graduate or internship role at any Optiver location in the past 8 months, you are not eligible to reapply until the 8-month cool-off period has passed.