Principal Quantitative Researcher - Systematic

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making.  Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology.  For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient.

We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better.

Quantitative research is a key driver of innovation at CTC and one of the pillars upon which our firm is built. We are seeking a Principal Quantitative Researcher to partner with Trading and Technology to drive new revenue, scale, and evolve the firm's trading capabilities. In this role, you will lead research areas, influencing the direction of the team in a dynamic environment. This includes partnership with other researcher managers, traders and engineers on quantitative problem solving, trading strategy generation, back-testing, statistical analysis, and system design. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to apply the scientific method to business problems as part of the Quant team at CTC! 

What You’ll Do

• Define and articulate a long-term vision that will lead to new sources of revenue, evolving with business needs and market structure 
• Conduct commercially focused revenue generating research, while supporting others with their research 
• Develop a structured roadmap and ensure quant functions remain focused, aligned, and accountable 
• Direct development of innovative infrastructure across pricing models and research platforms 
• Foster coordination across risk management, development, and quantitative research to drive measurable business impact 
• Provide thought leadership while applying academic rigor to practical trading applications  

What We’re Looking For

• PhD in Science or Engineering fields (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering) strongly preferred 
• Experience in a top systematic trading team of which at least 10 years as a quantitative researcher 
• Proven ability to conduct independent, high-quality research 
• Demonstrable track record of generating positive PnL 
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and research results, both in writing and verbally 
• Experience with the software development lifecycle with advanced programming skills 
• Unique combination of analytical prowess, programming skills, and acute understanding of business 
• Unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with a drive for delivering commercial outcomes 
• Strong Python skills including Numpy and Pandas libraries 

Nice to Haves

• Management experience leading a healthy and empowered team, driving accountability. 
• Experience with a wide variety of market and alternative data  
• Expertise in US options markets, options pricing models, volatility surfaces, and risk management techniques  
• Strong Python skills including Numpy and Pandas libraries  
• Strong track record of publications in an industry setting 

Compensation

The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance. 

Salary Range

$250,000—$300,000 USD

Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.

Our Benefits 

We strongly believe in the well-being of our employees and their families so we offer outstanding benefits to support you both professionally and personally. These benefits include generous time off, insurance coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits focused on providing the best employee experience. 

(Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC) 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. 

If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at [email protected]. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.