Full-Time

Quantitative Researcher

Futures

IMC Trading

IMC Trading

1,001-5,000 employees

Proprietary trading using quantitative strategies

Compensation Overview

$250k - $300k/yr

+ Discretionary bonus

Chicago, IL, USA + 1 more

More locations: New York, NY, USA

In Person

Master's, PhD

Category
Quantitative Finance (1)
Required Skills
Python
Quantitative Research
Data Structures & Algorithms
Machine Learning
Risk Management
C/C++
Data Analysis

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Requirements
  • An advanced degree (MSc, PhD, or equivalent) in a quantitative or technical discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or Financial Engineering.
  • At least 5 years of quantitative research experience, preferably in systematic trading, futures, high-frequency trading, or related high-frequency or high-throughput environments.
  • A demonstrable track record of generating predictive signals in futures, derivatives, or systematic trading.
  • Excellent programming skills in Python, C++, or other relevant languages, with comfort working with large datasets and real-time data feeds.
  • A strong statistical background, including statistical modeling, time-series analysis, machine learning or machine-learning-based approaches, and understanding of overfitting risk.
  • Deep interest in market dynamics, high-frequency trading, market microstructure, order flow, and volatility, with the ability to translate these concepts into actionable research.
  • Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and practical business orientation to assess strategy viability, robustness, and real-world performance.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct alpha, signal, and feature research targeted at intraday futures trading strategies, from hypothesis generation through rigorous data analysis.
  • Prototype, backtest, and evaluate new trading ideas using large-scale and high-frequency market data.
  • Collaborate with developers, traders, and researchers to design and implement a robust research-to-production pipeline, and take validated ideas through full-scale deployment.
  • Monitor and refine existing strategies by evaluating performance, risk, and edge decay, then iterating to maintain or improve profitability.
  • Explore and integrate new data sources, alternative datasets, and market microstructure signals to expand the research toolbox.
  • Contribute to the strategic direction of research initiatives, including tooling, data infrastructure, and methodology improvements.
  • Work with developers on the design and implementation of a robust research framework that enables ideas to be researched, tested, and put into production efficiently.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in systematic trading, futures, high-frequency trading, or related high-frequency or high-throughput environments.

IMC Trading is a global proprietary trading firm that uses technology and quantitative strategies to trade financial instruments such as stocks, options, and futures with its own capital. It operates in major markets (Amsterdam, Chicago, Sydney) and serves a diverse client base including institutional investors and individual traders. The company identifies market inefficiencies through advanced algorithms and data analytics, with teams of mathematicians, technologists, and traders who continuously improve strategies and build in-house solutions. Unlike firms that manage external funds, IMC trades for its own balance sheet, aiming to earn profits by executing high-frequency and systematic trades across global markets. Its approach centers on a culture of curiosity, continuous improvement, and collaboration, aiming to optimize markets while fostering an inclusive environment where employees can contribute meaningfully.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Founded

1989

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • IMC reported $3.12 billion net trading revenue and $968 million profit in 2025.
  • IMC joined Talos in May 2026, adding institutional crypto liquidity distribution.
  • IMC's August 2026 New York expansion supports systematic equities growth and Americas hiring.

What critics are saying

  • Mullen's SDNY spoofing lawsuit targets IMC's HFT tactics and threatens reputational damage.
  • Jane Street, Citadel Securities, and Optiver intensified competition in India during 2025.
  • CoreWeave dependence raises infrastructure concentration risk if AI-cloud costs spike in 2027.

What makes IMC Trading unique

  • IMC's proprietary algorithms trade with firm capital across global listed markets.
  • IMC built a New York systematic equities hub and expanded its institutional franchise in 2026.
  • IMC's Prosperity competition and India training pipeline recruit traders before rivals do.

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Benefits

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Parental leave

20 paid days annual leave

PTO

Paid sick leave

Fitness reimbursement

Fully-stocked kitchen in office

401k up to 4% match

IMC employee events

Donation match

Company News

PR Newswire
Jan 29th, 2026
Talos extends Series B to $150M as Robinhood, Sony and IMC join strategic round

Talos, a provider of institutional digital asset infrastructure, has raised $45 million in a Series B extension, bringing its total Series B funding to $150 million and valuing the company at approximately $1.5 billion. The round was led by strategic investors including Robinhood Markets, Sony Innovation Fund, IMC, QCP and Karatage, with participation from returning investors a16z crypto, BNY and Fidelity Investments. The New York-based company provides technology and data supporting the full digital asset trading and portfolio management lifecycle. Talos has doubled its revenues and client base annually over the past two years and recently launched an RFQ platform with BlackRock. Part of the investment was settled using stablecoins. Proceeds will fund product development and expansion into traditional asset classes migrating to digital rails.

Business Wire
Oct 6th, 2025
Avalanche Treasury Co. Announces $675 Million+ Business Combination with Mountain Lake Acquisition Corp. with Goal to Build $1 Billion+ Ecosystem Treasury

Avalanche Treasury Co. (AVAT), an ecosystem-aligned digital asset treasury company with an exclusive relationship with the Avalanche Foundation, today announ...

FinSMEs
Aug 28th, 2025
aPriori Raises $20M in Series A Funding

aPriori raises $20M in series A funding.

SiliconANGLE Media
Aug 28th, 2025
Blockchain startup aPriori raises $20M to expand institutional-grade trading infrastructure

Blockchain startup aPriori raises $20M to expand institutional-grade trading infrastructure - SiliconANGLE

PR Newswire
Apr 10th, 2025
SpectrAxe Secures Investment to Transform FX Market

Susquehanna International Group, IMC, and CTC have invested in SpectrAxe to transform the $300 billion/day FX options market. SpectrAxe's Series A funding will enhance its all-to-all CLOB platform, enabling direct trading among market participants and reducing market fragmentation. The investment supports SpectrAxe's global expansion and platform improvements, aiming to modernize OTC FX options trading by replacing manual methods with an exchange-style environment.