Quant Strategist

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 Strategist at Akuna: 

Akuna's Quantitative Trading and Research team is looking to add Quant Strategists to a team of mathematicians, statisticians and technologists. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing and enhancing our trading strategies by leveraging quantitative expertise and a deep understanding of financial markets. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on our trading decisions and overall performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong programming skills, a creative mindset, and a passion for the intricacies of financial markets. In this role you will: 

• Design and develop production code for trading strategies, including pricing models, execution logic, and performance optimization while collaborating closely with researchers, traders, and system engineers.
• Analyze and incorporate market signals into our trading systems to enhance decision-making and performance outcomes.
• Advance our existing codebase by proposing new solutions, optimizations, and improvements that align with trading goals.
• Participate in the rapid prototyping of cutting-edge trading solutions driven by quantitative analysis and market research.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and developments in financial markets to inform strategy adjustments and innovations.
• Respond quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, solving mathematical and coding challenges as they arise.
• Engage in ongoing learning and development to deepen understanding of financial markets and enhance strategic initiatives. 

Qualities that make great candidates: 

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in a technical field, such as Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics (or a related subject), with degree completion required upon employment. 
• 3+ years of experience in a quantitative or programming role, preferably within the finance or trading sectors.
• Proficient programming skills in Python (C++ is a plus) 
• Desire and ability to learn the complexities of financial markets and trading mechanisms.
• Deep understanding of fields such as Linear Algebra, Numerical Methods, Statistics, Optimization, Signal Processing, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning, and Heterogeneous/High-Performance Computing.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to react quickly and effectively to rapidly changing market conditions.
• Strong interest in financial markets and trading is highly valued.
• 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   

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!

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.