Full-Time

Quant-Market Microstructure / Low-Latency Strategies

Akuna Capital

201-500 employees

Automated options market-maker using proprietary technology

Data & Analytics

Fintech

Quantitative Finance

Junior, Mid

Chicago, IL, USA

Required Skills

Python

Requirements

BS/MS/PhD degree in a technical field Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics, or similar
Substantial programming skills in Python (C++ or Java are a plus)
Experience working with large datasets, especially tick data
Experience working with and analyzing low latency trading strategies
Knowledge of networking and low latency networking techniques a plus
Knowledge of statistical modeling and time series analysis a plus

Responsibilities

Gain deep knowledge of numerous worldwide exchanges, including their features, connectivity and messaging
Analyze and model market and competitor behavior and market impact
Help identify, design, backtest and optimize low latency strategies using big data
Build metrics to evaluate strategy execution and perform post trade analysis
Work with traders and developers to identify and incorporate new signals into our trading strategies
Identify and implement infrastructure improvements to minimize overall latency and maximize performance

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai and London.

What you’ll do as a Quantitative Researcher at Akuna:

Akuna’s Quantitative Trading and Research team is looking to add Quant Researchers to a team of mathematicians, statisticians and technologists. This team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets. We are looking for talented researchers who can help improve Akuna’s performance and execution. In this role you will:

Gain deep knowledge of numerous worldwide exchanges, including their features, connectivity and messaging
Analyze and model market and competitor behavior and market impact
Help identify, design, backtest and optimize low latency strategies using big data
Build metrics to evaluate strategy execution and perform post trade analysis
Work with traders and developers to identify and incorporate new signals into our trading strategies
Identify and implement infrastructure improvements to minimize overall latency and maximize performance

Qualities that make great candidates:

BS/MS/PhD degree in a technical field – Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics, or similar
Substantial programming skills in Python (C++ or Java are a plus)
Experience working with large datasets, especially tick data
Experience working with and analyzing low latency trading strategies
Knowledge of networking and low latency networking techniques a plus
Knowledge of statistical modeling and time series analysis a plus

Akuna Capital

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Website

View Company Profile

Akuna Capital stands out as a leading options market-maker, leveraging its proprietary low-latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models to provide liquidity with competitive quotes. The firm's commitment to continuous growth is evident in its expansion into new markets and products, offering employees the unique opportunity to shape its future. With a strong culture of employee ownership and no external investors, Akuna Capital ensures a collaborative environment where decisions are data-driven and the focus is on sustainable growth.

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

2011

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

↓ -3%

1 year growth

↓ -7%

2 year growth

↓ -7%

Benefits

Generous Paid Leave Policies - Vacation leave starting at 20 days per year that increases based on tenure, flexible sick leave, primary carer’s leave starting at 12 weeks, and volunteer time off.

Medical & Retirement Packages - 100% coverage of monthly premiums for employees enrolled in Akuna’s BlueCross BlueShield offerings and dental and vision plans, as well as a 401(k) plan with company match.

Wellness & Inclusion - Our employees have access to complimentary fitness and mindfulness events both in-person and virtually, as well as an in-building gym in our Chicago office. Additionally, our employee-led Culture Committee works together to continue building a healthy, positive, and inclusive work environment.

Continuing Education - We are proud to offer firm-wide classes through our Akuna U program, access to webinars, digital books, and case studies via Safari, opportunities to attend conferences, and tuition reimbursements to make sure you keep learning!

Social Events - We host happy hours, team outings and poker nights, sponsor a variety of employee-led clubs and sports teams, and offer volunteer opportunities to all employees.

Kitchen & Games Room - Catch up over a coffee made to order by our in-house barista and grab a bite to eat in our stocked kitchen, or challenge a fellow coworker to a friendly ping pong match in our games room!

Referral Bonuses - We want to reward you for helping us grow our awesome, hard-working team.