Quantitative Researcher (Execution Strategy)

Job Description

A Quantitative Researcher is needed to join a small group of the firm’s experts in execution trading. We are at the forefront of the firm’s industry-leading initiatives to apply technology, quantitative analysis and data-driven methods to its execution process. We are simultaneously quantitative analysts, applied statisticians, trading economists, and data scientists.

The team leverages its analysis of the firm’s trading to inform decision-making at both the highest levels of the firm and at the very finest detail. The work requires deep understanding of markets and modern electronic trading as well as familiarity with traditional business practices. The group’s mandate is broadly to optimize the firm’s execution by evaluating trading choices, both strategic and tactical, and helping to design better alternatives. The group’s focus is to build the firm’s capabilities primarily in global cash equities but also in global multi-asset futures, listed options and FX. The group’s responsibilities are global. We work closely with the firm’s global head of execution services and the three central trading desks (Asia, US and Europe).

We consult, advise, and assist the firm’s traders and portfolio managers to improve their trading. We collaborate with the firm’s technologists to enhance trading systems and build new products. We maintain working relationships with our sell-side broker partners to help with the evaluation and design of their algorithms and other trading services.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintenance of the execution analysis system
• Design and create scripts, reports, and visual tools for analysis
• Do science: formulate and test hypotheses, design tests, interpret results
• Conduct research, identify patterns, evaluate trends on various aspects of execution and trade optimization
• Analyze trading performance (TCA) looking for possible opportunities to improve execution quality firm wide and for PM groups
• Build and maintain relationships with sell-side brokers and traders
• Monitor and operation automated trading systems as directed
• Communicate all ideas, questions, and conclusions concisely and effectively
• Contribute to regular data maintenance—monitoring and cleaning
• Develop expertise in the firm’s trading practices and industry developments

Required skills/experience:

• 2-10 years of experience in related financial institutions focused in Analytics/Research/Optimization
• Scientific education, preferably degree(s) in statistics, mathematics, or computer science
• Understanding of the basic principles of statistical inference
• Strong programming skills and experience essential
• Proficiency with basic tools (Unix, Windows, Excel) essential
• Familiarity with databases and experience with KDB/Q extremely helpful but not required
• Familiarity with data-analysis tools—both statistical (R, etc) and visual (Tableau etc) helpful
• Experience with electronic trading (markets, systems, mechanics) helpful, but not necessary
• Experience with execution analysis helpful
• First-rate communication skills, especially written
• Detail oriented; Demonstrates thoroughness and strong ownership of work
• Quick learner and able to prioritize in a fast moving, high pressure, constantly changing environment; Good sense of urgency
• Ability to work independently and thoughtfully
• Flexible teammate, with a willingness to interact and collaborate with other teams