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Graduate Quant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

IMC

Quantitative Researcher - Options

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

Mentor graduate quantitative researchers Your Skills and Experience: * Ms or PhD in a highly quantitative field * At least 5 years in financial services or a quantitative environment * Experience in ...

IMC

Graduate Quantitative Researcher (PhD)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K/yr

Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high ...

IMC

Graduate Quantitative Researcher (PhD)

Chicago, IL

$250K/yr

As a Quantitative Researcher at IMC, your work will directly impact our global trading strategies. You will leverage your superior analytical, mathematical, and computing skills to improve existing ...

IMC

Graduate Quantitative Researcher (BS/MS)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K/yr

Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high ...

Dominican University

Graduate Recruiter

River Forest, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Report back on results from all recruitment activities with quantitative and qualitative information. * Track and compare recruitment strategies and tactics to graduate enrollment benchmarks

Point72

Quantitative Developer

Chicago, IL

Collaborate with the portfolio manager, quant researchers, and traders. Requirements: * Undergraduate or graduate degree in Computer Science. * 2+ years of experience developing research and trading ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGraduate Quant JobsGraduate Quant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Graduate Quant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$101K

$174.8K

$267.3K

How much do graduate quant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate quant in Chicago, IL is $174,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,600.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate quant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Quant, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and programming, typically supported by a quantitative degree such as mathematics, physics, engineering, or computer science. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, C++, R, and financial modeling tools is usually expected, and knowledge of data analysis platforms is beneficial. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building robust quantitative models and delivering actionable insights in fast-paced financial environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by graduate quants during their first year, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Graduate Quants often encounter challenges such as adapting to high-pressure environments, learning to communicate complex quantitative concepts to non-technical colleagues, and quickly mastering new financial models or programming languages. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to proactively seek feedback, collaborate closely with more experienced team members, and dedicate time to continual learning, both on the job and through self-study. Building strong relationships within the team and staying updated on industry trends can also ease the transition and foster professional growth.

What is a graduate quant?

Graduate Quants, or Graduate Quantitative Analysts, are entry-level professionals who use mathematical, statistical, and computational techniques to analyze financial markets and help institutions make informed trading, investment, and risk management decisions. Typically, they have recently completed advanced degrees in fields like mathematics, physics, engineering, or finance. Graduate Quants often work in banks, hedge funds, or trading firms, applying quantitative models to solve complex financial problems. Their roles may include developing algorithms, conducting data analysis, and supporting senior quants with research and model implementation.

What is the difference between Graduate Quant vs Quant Analyst?

AspectGraduate QuantQuant Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in Math, Finance, or related field; often entry-levelSame as Graduate Quant, but may require some experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, training programs, junior rolesMore client-facing, strategy implementation, senior responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageHedge funds, investment banks, asset managersFinancial institutions, trading firms, hedge funds
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for entry-level rolesMore experienced, but related roles

The main difference between a Graduate Quant and a Quant Analyst lies in experience and responsibilities. Graduate Quants are typically entry-level, focusing on learning and research, while Quant Analysts have more experience and handle strategy implementation and client interactions. Both roles are common in finance and require strong quantitative skills, but the level of responsibility and experience distinguishes them.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Quant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Graduate Quant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Quant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Quant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Graduate Quant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Graduate Quant job openings:

Graduate Quant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Quant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,845 per year, or $84.1 per hour.

Graduate Quantitative Researcher, PhD (2027 Start)

Optiver

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

As a Graduate Quantitative Researcher, you'll tackle some of the most challenging quantitative problems in global financial markets. Working alongside researchers, engineers, and traders, you'll analyze large-scale datasets, develop predictive models and algorithms, and apply statistical and machine learning techniques to better understand market behavior and identify trading opportunities.
Research at Optiver is highly applied and end-to-end. You'll frame research questions, test hypotheses, develop and validate models, and see your ideas evaluated in live market environments. Combining rigorous scientific thinking with modern AI-enabled research infrastructure, you'll transform insights into solutions that directly influence how we trade.
This opportunity is also available in our Austin office.
What You'll Do:
Your onboarding
You'll participate in Global Optiver Academy, a structure onboarding program for graduates. It gives new joiners a shared foundation in how Optiver trades, builds systems, and manages risk before they move into their teams. As part of your onboarding, you'll gain exposure to the AI tools and technologies that support research and development across the business.
Your responsibilities
As a Quantitative Researcher, you will have the opportunity to contribute to several key areas:
  • Develop predictive models and machine learning systems to better understand market behavior and identify trading opportunities
  • Analyze large-scale market and order-flow data to uncover signals, evaluate hypotheses, and improve trading performance
  • Build and test statistical and stochastic models for pricing, forecasting, and risk management
  • Apply modern research techniques, including deep learning and AI-enabled workflows, to accelerate discovery and improve research efficiency

What You'll Get:
You'll join a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Together, you'll tackle some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets by leveraging cutting-edge machine learning research to develop innovative, real-world solutions.
In addition, you'll receive:
  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
  • Highly competitive compensation package
  • Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
  • 401(k) match up to 50%
  • Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
  • 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
  • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues, and more

What To Expect:
As part of our assessment process, you may be invited to participate in a multi-day, on-site evaluative program. Through hands-on workshops, technical discussions, and direct exposure to our researchers and traders, you'll gain insight into how research is applied at Optiver and how PhD students transition successfully into industry. Attendance and successful completion of this program may be required to receive a full-time offer.
Who You Are:
  • PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or a related STEM field, with outstanding academic achievements
  • Expected to graduate by mid-2027 and available to start full-time employment upon graduation
  • Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics
  • Excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills
  • Experience applying machine learning methods to real-world research problems, such as time-series analysis, prediction, forecasting, pattern recognition, optimization, or decision-making
  • Proficiency in any programming language
  • Strong interest in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills

Who We Are:
Optiver is a leading technology- and research-driven trading firm. Our teams of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and traders work side by side to develop, test, and scale ideas that shape how we understand and trade global markets. Powered by a global platform built for rapid experimentation and iteration, we combine the scientific rigor of a research institution with the pace of a technology company.
Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.
Optiver is supportive of US immigration sponsorship for this role.
*Optiver has a global application re-apply policy for our intern and graduate roles. If you have completed an online assessment or interviewed for a quantitative graduate or internship role at any Optiver location in the past 8 months, please note that you are not yet eligible to reapply. We welcome you to re-apply to after the 8-month cool off period.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver's benefits package with the benefits listed above.
Base Salary Range
$200,000-$200,000 USD

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