Experienced Quantitative Strategist
WorldQuant · Greater Chicago Area
- On site
- Full-time
- $175,000 / year
- Greater Chicago Area
Job highlights
- Conduct quantitative research for systematic financial strategies.
- Develop and implement predictive signals (alphas).
- Collaborate on portfolio construction and optimization.
- Utilize Python/C++, data structures, and algorithms.
- Requires advanced degree and 2-8 years experience.
About the role
Quantitative Strategist at WorldQuant
WorldQuant develops and deploys systematic financial strategies across a broad range of asset classes and global markets. We seek to produce high-quality predictive signals (alphas) through our proprietary research platform to employ financial strategies focused on market inefficiencies. Our teams work collaboratively to drive the production of alphas and financial strategies – the foundation of a balanced, global investment platform.
WorldQuant is built on a culture that pairs academic sensibility with accountability for results. Employees are encouraged to think openly about problems, balancing intellectualism and practicality. Excellent ideas come from anyone, anywhere. Employees are encouraged to challenge conventional thinking and possess an attitude of continuous improvement.
Our goal is to hire the best and the brightest. We value intellectual horsepower first and foremost, and people who demonstrate an outstanding talent. There is no roadmap to future success, so we need people who can help us build it.
The Role
We are seeking candidates with quantitative research experience and intimate knowledge of systematic strategies across a broad variety of asset classes including global equities and/or ETFs, futures, currencies and options.
Job Responsibilities
- Support Portfolio Managers with alpha research, modelling, portfolio construction, optimization, and implementation of quantitative trading strategies
- Build and maintain tools and systems used throughout the quantitative research and portfolio management processes
What You’ll Bring
- PhD or Masters degree from a top university, with a major in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, or quantitative finance discipline
- 2-8 years’ experience in quantitative research and/or quantitative development for systematic strategies
- Demonstrated ability to program in Python and/or C++, with a strong background in data structures and algorithms
- Working knowledge of Linux
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Strong moral integrity and work ethic
Our Benefits
Core Benefits: Fully paid medical and dental insurance for employees and dependents, flexible spending account, 401k, fully paid parental leave, generous PTO (paid time off) that consists of: twenty vacation days that are pro-rated based on the employee’s start date, at an accrual of 1.67 days per month, three personal days, and ten sick days.
Perks: Employee discounts for gym memberships, wellness activities, healthy snacks, casual dress code
Training: learning and development courses, speakers, team-building off-site
Employee resource groups
Pay Transparency
WorldQuant is a total compensation organization where you will be eligible for a base salary, discretionary performance bonus, and benefits. The Base Pay Range For This Position Is $150,000 – $200,000 USD.
Key skills/competency
- Quantitative Research
- Systematic Trading Strategies
- Alpha Generation
- Portfolio Construction
- Python
- C++
- Data Structures
- Algorithms
- Linux
- Financial Modeling
Skills & topics
- Quantitative Strategist
- Quantitative Research
- Systematic Strategies
- Alpha Generation
- Portfolio Management
- Financial Modeling
- Python
- C++
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Quantitative Finance
- Investment Strategies
- Data Analysis
- Machine Learning
- Risk Management
- Trading Strategies
- Masters Degree
- PhD
- Finance
- Technology
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight PhD/Masters in quantitative fields and 2-8 years in quantitative research/development for systematic strategies. Emphasize Python/C++ proficiency, data structures, and algorithms.
- Showcase problem-solving: Quantify achievements in alpha research, modeling, and portfolio construction. Demonstrate strong analytical and programming skills.
- Demonstrate integrity: Emphasize a strong work ethic and moral integrity in your application and during interviews.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss advanced topics in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or finance, and solve coding challenges.
- Research WorldQuant's culture: Understand their unique blend of academic sensibility and accountability for results.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific academic backgrounds are most suitable for the Quantitative Strategist role at WorldQuant?
- WorldQuant highly values advanced degrees (PhD or Masters) in fields like computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, or quantitative finance. These disciplines provide the foundational knowledge for success in quantitative research and systematic strategy development.
- What level of experience is expected for a Quantitative Strategist at WorldQuant?
- The Quantitative Strategist position typically requires 2 to 8 years of experience in quantitative research or quantitative development, specifically focused on systematic strategies. This experience should demonstrate a strong track record in relevant financial markets.
- Which programming languages are essential for the Quantitative Strategist role at WorldQuant?
- Proficiency in Python and/or C++ is essential for the Quantitative Strategist role. A strong understanding of data structures and algorithms is also a key requirement for building and maintaining research tools and systems.
- How does WorldQuant approach compensation for Quantitative Strategists?
- WorldQuant operates as a total compensation organization. Quantitative Strategists are eligible for a base salary, discretionary performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package. The base pay range for this position is $150,000 – $200,000 USD.
- What is the work environment like at WorldQuant for a Quantitative Strategist?
- WorldQuant fosters a culture that blends academic rigor with a strong focus on results. The environment encourages open thinking, continuous improvement, and collaboration among teams, valuing intellectual curiosity and practical application.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Quantitative Strategist at WorldQuant?
- Key responsibilities include supporting Portfolio Managers with alpha research, modeling, portfolio construction, optimization, and implementing quantitative trading strategies. You will also build and maintain tools and systems crucial for the research and portfolio management processes.
- Does WorldQuant offer remote or hybrid work arrangements for Quantitative Strategists?
- The job description does not explicitly state the work arrangement. However, given the collaborative nature of the role and the company culture, it's likely to be on-site or potentially hybrid, with a strong emphasis on in-office presence for collaboration and access to proprietary systems.
- What kind of benefits and perks can a Quantitative Strategist expect at WorldQuant?
- WorldQuant offers comprehensive core benefits including fully paid medical and dental insurance, a 401k, paid parental leave, and generous PTO. Perks include employee discounts, wellness activities, and opportunities for learning and development.