Quantitative Research - PhD Full Time

About Citadel

Citadel is one of the leading hedge fund investment funds in the United States. The company focuses on integrating a culture of excellence fostered by cutting-edge technology to proffer top-of-the-chart profits. the citadel was founded by Kenneth Griffin in 1987 with a startup capital of $4.6 million in capital and within 8 years, it grew its assets north of $2 billion. The main goal of this company is to combine investing as an art and the science of finance to achieve worthwhile financial targets. As of May 2022, citadel currently manages assets worth over $50 billion. It claims to trade “around 26% of equities volume in the United States” and “implements 47% of all U.S-listed retail volume”.

Your Role

Quantitative Researchers play a key role in this mission by developing next-generation models and trading approaches for a range of investment strategies. You’ll get to challenge the impossible in quantitative research by applying sophisticated and complex statistical techniques to financial markets, some of the most complex data sets in the world. Your objectives are:

• Conceptualize valuation strategies, develop, and continuously improve upon mathematical models and help translate algorithms into code.
• Back test and implement trading models and signals in a live trading environment.
• Use unconventional data sources to drive innovation.
• Conduct research and statistical analysis to build and refine monetization systems for trading signals.

Training, Development & Rotations 

Citadel proffers professional freedom to employees to help them choose their path that inspires their vision and sees them remain curious every day. We bring together the brightest minds across mathematics, engineering, finance, and beyond. Passionate and unapologetic in applying our unique perspectives, we deliver results that shape markets and define careers. They benefit from valuable experience from mentorship programs and enjoy access to invaluable seminars, classes, and coffee chats. 

Salary & Benefits

Citadel offers attractive benefits and perks which include free annual biometric screenings, employee assistance programs for accident, death, and dismemberment insurance, gym on-site, Paid time off, transport allowance, and a flexible spending account. The estimated total pay for a Quantitative Research Analyst at Citadel ranges from approximately $108,000 to $195,089 per year. (Source: Glassdoor)

Career Progression

Citadel empowers and rewards team members who deliver results. Citadel creates opportunities by consistently making career and compensation decisions on the merits, recognizing that doing so attracts and retains the best and the brightest. Citadel passionately pursues new ideas, new innovations, and new strategies that will strengthen its competitive advantage. A position at Citadel is an opportunity for lifelong learning. 

Work Life Balance

The work vibe is generally fast-paced as it requires employees to adapt their strategies to an ever-changing market. While the fast-paced Citadel works may seem challenging, it soon becomes familiar and makes collaboration even more productive. The work vibe is generally fast-paced as it requires employees to adapt their strategies to an ever-changing market. While the fast-paced Citadel works may seem challenging, it soon becomes familiar and makes collaboration even more productive.

Culture & Vibe

We embrace bold ideas and seize opportunities others don’t, from the way we operate to the strategies we deploy. With a bias for action, our work goes into the market quickly. That’s because when solving live problems, we have to operate in real-time. The financial markets provide immediate feedback that propels our cycle of learning and impact. Our relentless focus on innovation raises the bar for what’s possible. That’s as true for our work in the markets as it is for your career. It’s our collective intellect, skill, and ambition that allows us to achieve far more together than we ever could on our own.

About You

To qualify for this role, you must be:

• P.hD Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or another highly quantitative field.
• Strong knowledge of probability and statistics (e.g., machine learning, time-series analysis, pattern recognition, NLP).
• Prior experience working in a data-driven research environment.
• Experience with NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
• Experience with distributed computing using MapReduce.
• Experience with translating mathematical models and algorithms into code (Python, R or C++).
• Independent research experience.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and thrive in a fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

How to Apply

• To start your application, simply click the "APPLY" button on this page.
• The recruitment process for hopefuls begins with a phone screener usually performed by a technologist.
• Successful applicants are then directed to on-site interviews.
• There are five interview sessions with each one aimed at testing role-specific traits.
• Each assessment phase aims to test the mental agility of applicants and their ability to adapt their knowledge to solve complex problems.
• The last phase in the selection process is the behavioral interview where applicants get to talk about their career progress and their mindset regarding the potential role.