About the role#
The PhD quantitative research internship is an intensive 10-week program designed to provide experience with real-world data, problems, and markets. The program begins with two weeks of training on the research process, machine learning, statistics, trading mechanics, and internal infrastructure. Following training, you will be matched with a trading team to work 1:1 with experienced researchers on a project tied to live business needs. This role is a primary pathway to a full-time offer at the firm.
What you'll do#
- Match with a trading team and own a research project from start to finish, including predictive modeling and alpha research.
- Collect, clean, and explore large datasets to engineer features that turn raw data into predictive signals.
- Build, fit, and evaluate models using the company supercomputing grid.
- Present research results to your team throughout the summer, culminating in a final presentation.
- Receive daily 1:1 mentorship from experienced quantitative researchers while gaining increasing autonomy.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Operations Management, Economics, or another highly quantitative field.
- Experience conducting an in-depth research project using real-world data.
- Programming proficiency in Python, including the ability to read, understand, and debug existing code.
- Ability to form hypotheses, design rigorous tests, and draw statistically sound conclusions.
- Ownership of your research, including the ability to explain your methodology and technical choices.
- Creativity and initiative to explore ideas beyond those initially suggested.
- A collaborative working style and the perseverance to work through complex problems.
Location & details#
- Locations: Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: Paid position.
- Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is available for qualified candidates.
About Jump Trading
Jump Trading is a financial services firm founded over 25 years ago. The company maintains its headquarters in Chicago and operates 13 offices across 8 countries. It employs over 2,000 people who work on trading systems, research, and engineering. The firm focuses on various asset classes and uses machine learning and AI to operate in global markets.
How to get in at Jump Trading
Applying early to Jump Trading gives you a distinct advantage, as recruiters often fill roles before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you stay ahead of the crowd. It is a simple way to ensure you do not miss a window of opportunity while you manage your other commitments. You can use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind these roles and reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. Connecting with the right person often improves your response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue. This approach shows you are serious about the work and helps you stand out in a competitive field.
