Quantitative Trader Intern, PhD

Tower Research Capital
New York, NY
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for PhD students in quantitative fields who implement trading algorithms and analyze market data, with a preference for candidates in New York and those who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Best fit for

  • PhD students in quantitative disciplines with a focus on algorithmic trading and market microstructure analysis
    — “PhD student focusing on mathematics, statistics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields”
  • Candidates with experience in C++, R, or Python and a desire to work on high-performance trading infrastructure
    — “A strong background in C++, R, Python, or an object-oriented programming language”
  • Individuals who enjoy solving complex problems in low-latency programming and machine learning
    — “solve challenging problems in the realms of low-latency programming, FPGA technology, hardware acceleration and machine learning”

Things to consider

  • This role requires a commitment to either a 4-6 month or 10-week summer term in New York
    — “Availability for 4-6 months or 10-week summer term”
  • Candidates must be prepared to work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced trading environment
    — “a stimulating, results-oriented environment where highly intelligent and motivated colleagues inspire each other”

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific projects involving algorithm design or market data analysis in your resume
    — “Designing, implementing, and deploying high-frequency trading algorithms”
  • Demonstrate your ability to work on exchange simulators and analytical libraries
    — “Developing, augmenting, and calibrating exchange simulators”
  • Emphasize your experience with pattern recognition in complex datasets
    — “Exploring trading ideas by analyzing market data and market microstructure for patterns”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Designing and deploying high-frequency trading algorithms
  • Researching and enhancing trading strategies
  • Analyzing market data for patterns
Typical background
PhD in mathematics, statistics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, economics

Skills & requirements

Required

C++RPythonObject-oriented ProgrammingProblem-solvingCommunication

Preferred

Machine Learning

Stack & domain

C++RPythonObject-oriented ProgrammingProblem-solvingCommunicationFinance

About the role

Original posting from Tower Research Capital

Tower Research Capital is a leading quantitative trading firm founded in 1998. Tower has built its business on a high-performance platform and independent trading teams. We have a 25+ year track record of innovation and a reputation for discovering unique market opportunities.

Tower is home to some of the world’s best systematic trading and engineering talent. We empower portfolio managers to build their teams and strategies independently while providing the economies of scale that come from a large, global organization. 

Engineers thrive at Tower while developing electronic trading infrastructure at a world class level. Our engineers solve challenging problems in the realms of low-latency programming, FPGA technology, hardware acceleration and machine learning. Our ongoing investment in top engineering talent and technology ensures our platform remains unmatched in terms of functionality, scalability and performance.

At Tower, every employee plays a role in our success. Our Business Support teams are essential to building and maintaining the platform that powers everything we do — combining market access, data, compute, and research infrastructure with risk management, compliance, and a full suite of business services. Our Business Support teams enable our trading and engineering teams to perform at their best.

At Tower, employees will find a stimulating, results-oriented environment where highly intelligent and motivated colleagues inspire each other to reach their greatest potential.

Responsibilities: 

Designing, implementing, and deploying high-frequency trading algorithms

Working with a dedicated mentor to research and enhance existing trading strategies

Exploring trading ideas by analyzing market data and market microstructure for patterns

Creating tools to analyze data for patterns

Contributing to libraries of analytical computations to support market data analysis and trading

Developing, augmenting, and calibrating exchange simulators

Qualifications:

Availability for 4-6 months or 10-week summer term

PhD student focusing on mathematics, statistics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, economics, or related fields

A strong background in C++, R, Python, or an object-oriented programming language

Strong problem-solving abilities

A passion for new technologies and ideas

The ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Strong communication skills

Interest in financial markets

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

Past industry experience

Experience with machine learning 

Anticipated New York weekly base salary range $3,500-5,700.

Benefits:

Tower’s headquarters are in the historic Equitable Building, right in the heart of NYC’s Financial District and our impact is global, with over a dozen offices around the world. 

At Tower, we believe work should be both challenging and enjoyable. That is why we foster a culture where smart, driven people thrive – without the egos. Our open concept workplace, casual dress code, and well-stocked kitchens reflect the value we place on a friendly, collaborative environment where everyone is respected, and great ideas win.

Our benefits include:

Competitive compensation package

Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily

Exciting networking and social events (e.g. Broadway shows, escape rooms, cooking classes)

Opportunities to learn from senior management across the firm

Mentors from your alma mater and other top institutions

At Tower, you’ll find a collaborative and welcoming culture, a diverse team and a workplace that values both performance and enjoyment. No unnecessary hierarchy. No ego. Just great people doing great work – together.

Tower Research Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Source: Tower Research Capital careers

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