About the role#
Akuna Capital is seeking Quantitative Research Interns for a 10-week program in Chicago. This role involves working alongside mathematicians, statisticians, and technologists to create trading strategies using scientific methods and a sophisticated understanding of financial markets. Interns will contribute to the firm's strategy portfolio by applying machine learning and quantitative research techniques.
What you'll do#
- Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms.
- Design and implement optimization algorithms for portfolio construction.
- Build quantitative models that describe market behavior.
- Advance existing research initiatives and explore new opportunities for study.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
- Must graduate by August 2027.
- Expertise in statistics and machine learning.
- Experience building mathematical models for complex real-world problems.
- Intermediate programming skills in Python.
- A GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Ability to react quickly and accurately to changing market conditions and solve technical problems under pressure.
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment.
Location & details#
- Location: Chicago, Illinois.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Compensation: The minimum annualized base salary starts at $130,000.
About Akuna Capital
Akuna Capital is a trading firm that operates as an options market-maker. The company trades using its own capital and does not have external clients or investors. Founded in 2011, the firm maintains offices in Chicago, Sydney, Shanghai, and London. It focuses on developing low-latency technology and mathematical models to support its trading strategies.
How to get in at Akuna Capital
Securing an internship at Akuna Capital requires a proactive approach, as many competitive roles are filled quickly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. Being at the front of the line is a real advantage in a high-volume process. You can also improve your chances by connecting with the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Direct outreach often cuts through the noise of a standard application queue.
