Quantitative Strategist – Credit Microstructure Alpha bei Optiver

We are seeking a Quantitative Strategist to develop alpha models in the credit space, with a focus on bond products (e.g., single bonds, ETFs) and their interactions with CDS, equities, and index instruments. In this research-driven role, you will design and implement predictive models across short- to medium-term horizons, directly shaping trading strategies and driving the future growth of our Credit business.

What you’ll do

As a quantitative strategist, your key responsibilities include:
•    Alpha Research: Research and develop short- and medium-horizon alpha models for credit indices, ETFs, single bonds, and CDS.
•    Microstructure Modeling: Analyze RFQ dynamics, flows, and liquidity patterns to identify market microstructure inefficiencies that can be systematically captured.
•    Cross-Asset Signal Development: Build predictive signals linking credit indices with ETFs, equities, and futures, focusing on relationships across risk transfer markets.
•    Framework Development: Improve and extend components of the alpha generation framework, including signal libraries, fitters, reporting pipelines, and backtesting engines.
•    Backtesting & Validation: Design and run rigorous backtests to evaluate alpha performance across multiple horizons (intraday to multi-day), incorporating costs, slippage, and liquidity effects.
•    Production Integration: Work with engineers to deploy alpha models into live trading systems; monitor performance, diagnose issues, and refine models post-deployment.
•    Market Regime Adaptation: Adjust models and signals to account for shifts in volatility regimes, liquidity conditions, and macro/credit-specific events.
•    Collaboration: Partner with traders, developers, and other researchers to integrate alpha models into broader systematic trading strategies.

What you’ll get

•    The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
•    Highly competitive compensation package
•    Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
•    401(k) match up to 50%
•    Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
•    25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
•    Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are

•    Demonstrated experience in alpha research, systematic strategy development, and quantitative modeling, with a strong foundation in statistical methods, optimization, and market microstructure analysis. Exposure to credit, ETFs, equities, or futures is preferred.
•    Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field (math, physics, statistics, computer science, engineering).
•    Deep understanding of credit markets and products (CDX, iTraxx, cash bonds, ETFs), including NAV behavior, cross-asset liquidity dynamics, and trading protocols such as rolls, basis trades, and portfolio hedging strategies.
•    Proficiency in Python and data science libraries (pandas/polars, scikit-learn, matplotlib/plotly), with experience writing production-quality code for real-time data processing and visualization. C++ experience is a plus.
•    Working knowledge of SQL, Git, and modern development environments (e.g., VS Code).

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.

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