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Phd Quant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PIMCO

Quantitative Research Analyst

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$165 - $240/hr

PhD preferred2-5 years of relevant experience as a commodity quant supporting a sell-side trading desk or a quantitatively oriented asset manager; exceptional junior candidates with directly relevant ...

PIMCO

Quantitative Research Analyst

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

PhD preferred * 2-5 years of relevant experience as a commodity quant supporting a sell-side trading desk or a quantitatively oriented asset manager; exceptional junior candidates with directly ...

PIMCO

Quantitative Research Analyst

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

PhD preferred * 2-5 years of relevant experience as a commodity quant supporting a sell-side trading desk or a quantitatively oriented asset manager; exceptional junior candidates with directly ...

Poesis

Quantitative Developer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $280K/yr

Clear communicator who can explain technical findings to non-specialists. * BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Finance or related quantitative field. Preferred ...

Jobtailor

Quantitative Developer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Clear communicator who can explain technical findings to non‑specialists. * BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Finance or related quantitative field. Preferred ...

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$96.7K

$167.5K

$256.1K

How much do phd quant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd quant in California is $167,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,700.00 and $196,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD Quant?

A PhD Quant, short for Quantitative Analyst with a PhD, is a professional who uses advanced mathematical, statistical, and computational techniques to analyze financial markets and develop complex models for trading, risk management, or investment strategies. They typically work in banks, hedge funds, or financial technology firms. PhD Quants leverage their deep expertise in fields like mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering to solve challenging problems and gain insights that drive financial decision-making. Their work often involves programming, data analysis, and the implementation of quantitative models.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Quant?

To thrive as a PhD Quant, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and programming, typically supported by a PhD in a quantitative field such as mathematics, physics, finance, or engineering. Expertise in technical tools such as Python, C++, R, and experience with statistical modeling systems and quantitative finance libraries is expected. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing complex models, interpreting data accurately, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in high-stakes financial environments.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a PhD Quant within a financial institution?

PhD Quants frequently work in close collaboration with traders, risk managers, and software engineers to develop and implement quantitative models for pricing, risk assessment, and trading strategies. While a significant portion of the work involves independent research and model development, regular meetings and cross-functional teamwork are essential to ensure models align with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Effective communication skills are important, as PhD Quants often need to explain complex mathematical concepts to colleagues with varying technical backgrounds.

What is the difference between Phd Quant vs Quant Analyst?

AspectPhd QuantQuant Analyst
Required CredentialsPhD in Mathematics, Statistics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree, often with quantitative skills
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in finance or hedge fundsTrading floors, financial institutions, or asset management firms
Industry UsagePrimarily in hedge funds, investment banks, and proprietary tradingIn asset management, hedge funds, and banks

The main difference between a Phd Quant and a Quant Analyst lies in their educational background and focus. Phd Quants typically hold doctoral degrees and focus on developing complex models and research, while Quant Analysts often have master's or bachelor's degrees and focus on applying models to trading strategies. Both roles are integral to quantitative finance but differ in scope and depth of research.

Do quant firms hire PhDs?

Quant firms frequently hire PhDs, especially in fields like mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering, to develop and implement complex trading algorithms and models. Candidates typically need strong quantitative skills, programming experience in languages such as Python or C++, and a solid understanding of financial markets. A PhD can provide a competitive edge in securing roles in quantitative research, trading, or risk management within these firms.

How much do PhD quants make?

PhD quants typically earn between $150,000 and $300,000 annually, with compensation increasing based on experience, location, and the complexity of their quantitative models. Many also receive bonuses and profit-sharing, especially in finance and hedge fund environments where advanced statistical and programming skills are essential.

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What job categories do people searching Phd Quant jobs in California look for?

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What cities in California are hiring for Phd Quant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Phd Quant job openings:

Phd Quant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Quant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,506 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Algorithm Development (Quant Research & Trading) PhD Internship - Summer 2027

Hudson River Trading

London, CA

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

We do not allow multiple applications. Please apply to the ONE role you are most interested in and we will consider you for all open positions when reviewing your application.

Hudson River Trading (HRT) is seeking exceptional full-time PhD students to join our Algorithm Development summer internship program. Algorithm Developers at HRT focus on the research and implementation of automated trading strategies.

We trade on more than 200 markets around the world, across a variety of time horizons - offering ample opportunities to explore innovative, self-guided research and make a big impact on our business. Through this internship, you'll have the opportunity to rotate across teams, learning and collaborating alongside researchers and technologists that apply their passion and expertise to solving the most nuanced problems in our industry. 

What to Expect

  • Use advanced research experience and expertise to apply academic research to impactful real-world problems in trading across time horizons and machine learning strategies
  • Leverage our proprietary infrastructure (Python/C++) in conjunction with third-party tools to conduct quantitative research and data analysis
  • Use machine learning and time series techniques to derive novel insights on market behavior from large and complex datasets
  • Utilize our industry-leading compute cluster to run simulations and crunch data
  • Build predictive models for financial markets using a combination of market and non-market data
  • Attend and participate in Tech Talks that provide an overview of markets and HRT's trading philosophy
  • Enjoy a curriculum of speakers, trading games, mentorships, and social events throughout the summer

Qualifications

  • You are a full-time PhD student in a quantitative discipline (math, physics, computer science, statistics, operations research, machine learning etc.)
  • Fluency in Python is a must
  • Experience with statistical analysis, numerical programming, or machine learning in Python, Pandas/Numpy, R, and/or MATLAB
  • You're excited to apply your research expertise to identify new opportunities in worldwide markets  
    Strong communication skills

We offer a weekly base salary offer in addition to a competitive signing bonus, company-paid housing, meals, and other perks.

New York: Weekly base salary of 5,800 USD
Singapore: Weekly base salary of 7,650 SGD
London: Weekly base salary of 4,350 GBP

Apply