Are you ready to jumpstart your career at a leading global trading firm? 

Our research team is looking for a summer intern to help continuously improve our core derivatives pricing and trading strategies. Over the course of ten weeks, you will gain full insight into what it takes to be a Quantitative Researcher at a leading global market maker. Then, based on your performance throughout the internship, you could receive an offer to return to our firm full-time at the end of your studies. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to dive into the world of trading and make a meaningful impact. 

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilizing force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates. We tackle the toughest problems, challenge the status quo and always aim for excellence. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 70+ exchanges across the globe.

Optiver Chicago’s culture parallels the energetic city we’re immersed in. Home to the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Board Options Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago has established itself as the trading capital of the US. Active on leading US exchanges, Optiver’s Chicago office trades a wide range of products from listed derivatives to cash equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign exchange.

What you’ll do:

Welcome to the fast-paced, dynamic world of market making.

As a Quantitative Research Intern, you’ll spend the summer learning trading fundamentals and completing real projects in financial modeling, data science and statistics. You’ll be paired with one of Optiver’s experienced researchers to gain exposure to some of the various areas of research focus and learn the ins and outs of our systems.

Our internship is an expedited training program that will put you on the fast track to your career as a quantitative researcher. Experience the thrill of tight feedback loops as you apply your analytical and problem-solving skills to challenges where your solutions will have an immediate impact. If you’re looking for a taste of a career that’s continuously innovating, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to apply.

Who you are:

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in mathematics, computer science, statistics, physics or a related field with a winter 2024 or spring 2025 anticipated graduation date
• Experience using Matlab, R, Python or other analytical tools for quantitative research
• Experience analyzing large data sets is not required, but preferred*

What you’ll get:

• Highly-competitive internship compensation package
• Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations and commuting stipends (where applicable)
• Various office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks 
• Social events, clubs and much more!

*We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2024.