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Phd Research Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optiver

Quantitative Research Intern (PhD)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

As a Quantitative Research Intern, you will work side-by-side with our Research Team of ... Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics or a ...

WEX, Inc.

PhD Intern - AI/ML/NLP Engineer

$35 - $43/hr

As a PhD Research Intern, you will apply your deep technical expertise to solve complex, real-world problems. You are a highly motivated researcher with a passion for applying cutting-edge AI ...

Samaya AI

ML Research Intern

Mountain View, CA · On-site

This role is ideal for a PhD or advanced Master's student passionate about fundamental research and real-world AI applications. The intern will also have the opportunity to reshape Samaya's key ...

Profluent

Research Intern, Computational

Emeryville, CA · On-site +1

$1.6K/wk

We are seeking a passionate Computational Research Intern to join moonshot projects at the ... Enrolled in a BS, MS, or PhD program in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science ...

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Phd Research Intern information

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How much do phd research intern jobs pay per month?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average monthly pay for phd research intern in the United States is $6,439.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,416.67 and $7,666.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Research Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Research Intern, you need advanced research skills, strong analytical abilities, and enrollment in a relevant doctoral program. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), academic databases, and possibly experience with laboratory or computational systems is often required. Critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration are important soft skills that help interns excel in team-based and independent research settings. These skills and qualifications ensure successful contribution to ongoing projects, efficient problem-solving, and impactful dissemination of research findings.

What is the difference between Phd Research Intern vs Research Scientist?

AspectPhd Research InternResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD candidate or recent PhD graduateTypically PhD holder with several years of experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, or corporate R&DIndustry labs, corporate R&D departments, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, tech companiesTech firms, pharmaceutical companies, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Phd Research Intern and a Research Scientist lies in experience and responsibilities. Phd Research Interns are typically pursuing or have recently completed their PhD and focus on gaining research experience, often in academic or corporate labs. Research Scientists usually have more experience, hold a PhD, and lead research projects within industry or research organizations. Both roles involve research activities, but the level of independence and scope of work differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD Research Interns, and how can they be addressed?

PhD Research Interns often encounter challenges such as adjusting to new research environments, managing time effectively between internship tasks and ongoing academic commitments, and navigating complex, interdisciplinary projects. Adapting quickly to a new team and understanding the expectations of academic or industry mentors can also be demanding. To address these, interns should proactively communicate with supervisors, set clear goals, seek feedback regularly, and collaborate closely with team members to leverage their expertise and resources.

What is a PhD Research Intern?

A PhD Research Intern is a graduate student, typically enrolled in a doctoral program, who temporarily joins a research organization, university lab, or company to work on specialized research projects. These internships allow students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems, gain hands-on experience, and collaborate with experienced researchers. PhD Research Interns often contribute to publications, presentations, and innovative solutions within their field, while also expanding their professional network and career opportunities. Internships can vary in length and may be paid or unpaid, depending on the institution and funding.
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Phd Research Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Research Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, and 48% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,274 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Quantitative Research Intern (PhD)

Optiver

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work alongside the Research Team to develop and enhance trading models.

  • Engage in a practical research project that directly influences trading decisions.

  • Delve into trading fundamentals and apply statistical models and machine learning to develop trading algorithms.

Job description

As a Quantitative Research Intern, you will work side-by-side with our Research Team of mathematicians, scientists and technologists, to develop and enhance the models that drive Optiver’s trading. You will tackle a practical research project that has real-world impact and directly influences Optiver’s trading decisions. In our business, where the markets are always evolving, you will use your skills to predict its movements.

What you’ll do:

Led by our in-house education team, you will delve into trading fundamentals and engage in a research project that makes a real-world impact. You will be paired with one of Optiver’s seasoned researchers, providing you exposure to a variety of research areas, including:

  • Using statistical models and machine learning to develop trading algorithms.
  • Leveraging big data technologies to analyze high-frequency trading strategies, market microstructure, and financial instruments to identify trading opportunities.
  • Building stochastic models to determine the fair value of financial derivatives.
  • Combining quantitative analysis and high-performance implementation to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of pricing engines and libraries.

What you’ll get:

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
  • The opportunity to earn a return internship or full-time offer in Chicago, Austin, New York City, or Amsterdam based on performance
  • A highly-competitive internship compensation package
  • Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends
  • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics or a related STEM field with outstanding academic performance
  • Expected graduation between December 2026 and June 2028
  • Available to intern during Summer 2026
  • Open to full-time opportunities upon graduation in 2027 or 2028
  • Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics
  • Excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills
  • Independent research experience
  • Proficiency in any programming language
  • Experience in machine learning, with practical applications in time-series analysis and pattern recognition
  • Strong interest in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

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.

We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2026.

Below is the expected compensation for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale and sign-on bonus 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 the benefits listed above.

Base Salary Range $80,000—$90,000 USD

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