Quantitative Researcher – PhD: 2026

Overview

We’re looking for accomplished researchers who are interested in growing their career in the field of quantitative finance. While the problems we solve at Susquehanna are often different from academia, our problems demand the attention of brilliant minds that have an extraordinary attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of understanding.

The general lifecycle of a quant project begins with an idea:

• This idea can come from anyone: you, the mentor who sits beside you, or someone you meet in the cafeteria.
• As a Quantitative Researcher, you will investigate that idea by immersing yourself in market data, leveraging tools in mathematics, statistics, and programming.
• Through your research, you may discover a new pattern that can transform into a trading signal.
• You will work side-by-side with technologists in order to backtest your results and put that trading signal into production.
• Once that signal is embedded in our electronic trading strategies, you will continue to do research on that strategy in order to optimize its performance.
• As your trading strategy evolves, you will discuss with other researchers, strategists, and traders to collect feedback and brainstorm new ideas.
• Some of those ideas will turn into new quant projects, and the life cycle starts all over again.
• We have a comprehensive orientation program designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Education topics include an introduction to options pricing, exposure to our proprietary data sets, and opportunities to practice data analysis techniques. Beyond orientation, our trading floor serves as an unlimited source of discussion for learning and development.

What we're looking for

• PhD in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research, or Economics
• Exceptional mathematical problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills in a fast-paced and/or highly collaborative environment are essential
• Strong, practical computing skills; a specific language proficiency is less important than your ability to get computers to accomplish tasks efficiently and reliably
• Experience working on in-depth research projects
• Finance experience is not a requirement

What’s in it for you

• Our market leading education program, incorporating classroom theory, simulated learning, and a secondment to our Philadelphia office is renowned to set graduates up for success.
• Our non-hierarchical culture allows employees of every level to thrive and have an impact. We are not your typical trading firm – the environment is casual, collaborative and we focus on continuous development.
• Highly competitive remuneration, attractive bonus, and additional leave entitlements.
• Private healthcare and gym allowances, plus wellness initiatives.
• Fully stocked kitchen - daily breakfast and lunch.
• Regular social, sporting, and community events.
• Visa sponsorship and relocation package where required.
• Explore our benefits and culture link

By applying to this role, you will be automatically considered for the Quantitative Systematic Trader position. There is no need to apply to both positions in order to be considered for both.

About Susquehanna

Susquehanna is a global quantitative trading firm founded by a group of friends who share a passion for game theory and probabilistic thinking. Our rigorous and analytical approach to decision making has led Susquehanna to become one of the largest and most successful proprietary trading firms in the world. In our offices around the globe, our employees are relentless problem solvers who collaborate to make optimal decisions.

What we do 

Susquehanna’s deep integration of trading, technology, and quant research makes us experts in trading essentially all listed financial products and asset classes, with a focus on derivatives. We handle millions of trading transactions around the world every day as both a market maker and market taker. Our efforts provide liquidity and ensure competitive prices for buyers and sellers. While our presence in the market is broad, our trading desks are highly specialized to allow for a deep understanding of the unique drivers of each asset class.

Equal Opportunity statement

We encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities. If you have any questions, please contact ************@sig.com.

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

If you're a recruiting agency and want to partner with us, please reach out to **********@sig.com. Any resume or referral submitted in the absence of a signed agreement will not be eligible for an agency fee.