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Graduate Research Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Akuna Capital

Quantitative Research Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K/yr

What you'll do as a Quantitative Research Intern at Akuna: Akuna's Quant team is looking to add ... Must graduate by August 2027 * GPA of 3.5 or above * Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is ...

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How much do graduate research intern jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average monthly pay for graduate research intern in Chicago, IL is $6,633.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,550.00 and $7,900.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate research intern?

A Graduate Research Intern is a graduate student who temporarily works in a research setting, such as a university lab, private company, or government agency, to gain practical experience in their field of study. Their primary role is to assist with ongoing research projects, conduct experiments, analyze data, and sometimes contribute to scholarly publications. This internship helps students apply theoretical knowledge from their coursework to real-world research challenges, build professional networks, and enhance their academic and career prospects. Graduate Research Internships are typically short-term and may be paid or unpaid, depending on the institution and funding.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate research interns, and how can they be effectively managed?

Graduate Research Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to new research methodologies, balancing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, and navigating the expectations of both academic and industry mentors. Effective communication with supervisors and proactive time management are key to overcoming these hurdles. Building strong relationships with team members and seeking feedback regularly can also help interns develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to research projects.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Research Intern, you need strong analytical abilities, research methodology knowledge, and typically enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature review tools, and sometimes laboratory equipment is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, adaptability, and teamwork are valuable soft skills for collaborating on research projects and presenting findings. These competencies ensure effective contribution to research objectives, high-quality results, and professional development in academic or industry settings.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Intern vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Research InternResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant graduate programUndergraduate or graduate student, often with relevant coursework
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, universitiesUniversities, research centers, sometimes industry
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academic and research institutionsUniversities, government agencies, private research firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship roles for graduate studentsClarifying research support roles in academic settings

The main difference is that Graduate Research Interns are typically enrolled in or recent graduates of graduate programs, focusing on gaining research experience during their studies. Research Assistants may be undergraduate or graduate students supporting ongoing research projects. Interns often have structured programs with specific learning objectives, while Research Assistants usually work more regularly within academic research teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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Infographic showing various Graduate Research Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,603 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Quantitative Research Intern

Chicago, IL • On-site

Akuna Capital
Finance and Insurance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Akuna Capitalexternal

$130K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

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, London, and Singapore. 

What you’ll do as a Quantitative Research Intern at Akuna:

Akuna’s Quant team is looking to add Quant Research Interns to a team of mathematicians, statisticians and technologists for our 10-week Akunacademy internship program in our Chicago office. 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 apply and develop machine learning algorithms to contribute to Akuna’s strategy portfolio. In this role you will:

  • Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms.
  • Design and implement optimization algorithms for portfolio construction.
  • Develop quantitative models describing market behavior.
  • Advance existing initiatives and explore opportunities for new research topics.

Qualities that make great candidates:

  • Pursuing a bachelor’s, masters or PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics (or a related subject)
  • Expertise in statistics and machine learning
  • Experience building mathematical models for complex real-world problems
  • Intermediate programming skills in Python 
  • The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role
  • Financial experience is not a requirement
  • Must graduate by August 2027
  • GPA of 3.5 or above
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using CPT, OPT or STEM

**Resumes must be submitted in PDF format. 

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note: By submitting an application for this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest. 

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized base salary starts at $130,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

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