As a Quantitative Research Intern, you will work side-by-side with our research team of mathematicians, scientists and technologists, to develop and enhance the models that drive Optiver’s trading. You will tackle a practical research challenge that has a real-world impact and directly influences Optiver’s trading decisions. In our business, where the markets are always evolving, you will use your skills to predict its movements.

What you’ll do

Led by our in-house education team, you will delve into trading fundamentals and engage in research projects that make a real difference. You will enhance your understanding of trading principles with immersive practice on our proprietary simulated exchange, designed to replicate live market conditions. For the eight-week internship, you will be paired with one of Optiver’s seasoned researchers, providing you exposure to a variety of research areas, including:

• Using statistical models and machine learning to develop trading algorithms
• Leveraging big data technologies to analyze high-frequency trading strategies, market microstructure, and financial instruments to identify trading opportunities
• Building stochastic models to determine the fair value of financial derivatives
• Combining quantitative analysis and high-performance implementation to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of pricing engines and libraries

Based on your performance during the internship, you could receive an offer to join our firm full-time after your studies.

What you’ll get

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• A highly competitive internship compensation package
• Optiver-covered flights and accommodations for the duration of the internship
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast and lunch, world-class barista coffee and Friday afternoon drinks
• The opportunity to participate in sports and leisure activities, along with social events exclusively organized for your intern cohort

Who you are

• Penultimate year student in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics or a related STEM field, with the ability to work full time upon graduation in 2026
• Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics
• Excellent research, analytical and modelling skills
• Independent research experience
• Proficiency in any programming language
• Knowledge of machine learning, time-series analysis and pattern recognition is a plus
• Strong interest in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills

Diversity statement

Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.

We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities. Please let us know if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments by contacting the Recruitment team via reasonableadjustments@optiver.com.

For answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, refer to our Campus FAQs.

For applicants based in India, our entry route is via the placement office internship hiring season (July/August).

*We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2025.