OPT Quantitative Research Analyst Jobs

Quantitative Research Analyst roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in finance and tech, with many employers accustomed to sponsoring F-1 students. STEM OPT extension eligibility is common for this role, giving you up to three years of work authorization while pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.

See All OPT Quantitative Research Analyst Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs101+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type50% On-site
Median Salary$171K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsDaisy Brand

Showing 5 of 101+ Quantitative Research Analyst jobs

State Street
Quantitative Research Analyst
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State Street
Added 1w ago
Quantitative Research Analyst
State Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Data Science & Analytics
Business Analysis
Software Engineering
Data Science
Data Analytics
$125,000/yr - $143,750/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Master's
10,000+

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Graham Capital Management, L.P.
Quantitative Research Analyst
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Graham Capital Management, L.P.
Added 2mo ago
Quantitative Research Analyst
Graham Capital Management, L.P.
Norwalk, Connecticut
Data Science & Analytics
Business Analysis
Finance
Accounting
Data Science
Data Analytics
Investment Banking & Capital Markets
$175,000/yr - $250,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Master's

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Akuna Capital
Quantitative Researcher - Prediction Markets
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Akuna Capital
Added 3d ago
Quantitative Researcher - Prediction Markets
Akuna Capital
Chicago, Illinois
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
Data Analytics
$145,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Associate's

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Morgan Stanley
Credit Automated Trading Strat / Quant Researcher
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Morgan Stanley
Added 1w ago
Credit Automated Trading Strat / Quant Researcher
Morgan Stanley
New York, New York
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
$225,000/yr - $250,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Master's
10,000+

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Apollo Management Holdings, L.P.
Quantitative Research Associate
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Apollo Management Holdings, L.P.
Added 2w ago
Quantitative Research Associate
Apollo Management Holdings, L.P.
El Segundo, California
Finance
Accounting
Data Science & Analytics
Business Analysis
Investment Banking & Capital Markets
Data Science
Data Analytics
$175,000 - $200,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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See all 101+ Quantitative Research Analyst Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Quantitative Research Analyst

Lead with your quantitative toolkit

Employers hiring quant researchers evaluate technical skills first. Highlight specific programming languages like Python or R, statistical modeling experience, and any published research or competition results upfront. This signals you can contribute immediately, making OPT authorization feel like a minor administrative detail.

Target STEM-designated employers early

Quantitative Research Analyst roles typically fall under CIP codes that qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree program qualifies and focus on employers already familiar with STEM OPT, since they understand the timeline and renewal process without needing explanation from you.

Research firms by their H-1B filing history

Hedge funds, asset managers, and technology firms that regularly file H-1B visa petitions for quant roles are your strongest sponsorship prospects. Firms with established quant teams have immigration infrastructure in place, which makes transitioning from OPT to H-1B sponsorship a routine internal process rather than a new undertaking.

Address OPT timing proactively in applications

Many quant hiring cycles move quickly. If your OPT start date is several months out, mention it clearly in your cover letter. Firms can plan around a known start date but will withdraw if they discover late that authorization is delayed or uncertain.

Build a portfolio of quantitative work

Quant roles are skill-verified, not just credential-verified. A GitHub repository with backtesting models, factor research, or machine learning applications gives recruiters concrete evidence of your abilities. Strong portfolios reduce employer hesitation about OPT paperwork because the value proposition is clear and demonstrable.

Network within quant research communities

Many quant positions are filled through referrals before they reach public job boards. Engaging with academic finance groups, attending quantitative finance meetups, and connecting with professionals at firms you target increases your visibility with hiring managers who already sponsor OPT candidates regularly.

Quantitative Research Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Quantitative Research Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's or master's degree falls under an eligible STEM CIP code, such as statistics, mathematics, financial engineering, or computer science, and the employer is E-Verify registered, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most quant research roles at finance firms and technology companies meet the employer eligibility requirement.

How far in advance should I apply for Quantitative Research Analyst roles given OPT timing?

Apply three to six months before your OPT start date. Quant hiring processes often include multiple technical rounds, take-home assignments, and final interviews, which can run four to eight weeks total. Submitting your application well in advance gives you time to complete the process and align your start date with the employer's needs without rushing your DSO to expedite OPT paperwork.

Which types of employers hire Quantitative Research Analysts on OPT?

Hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, asset managers, investment banks, and technology companies with quantitative research teams are the most active hirers. Firms with established quant desks, particularly those filing H-1B petitions annually, are the best targets because they have immigration processes already in place. You can browse OPT-friendly Quantitative Research Analyst openings on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers open to sponsoring F-1 students.

Can I work as a Quantitative Research Analyst during my OPT grace period if I'm between jobs?

You cannot work during the 60-day grace period. The grace period allows you to remain in the United States to search for employment or prepare for departure, but it does not authorize active work. Any new quant research role must be covered by a valid EAD. Starting work before your EAD is issued or after it expires creates serious immigration violations.

Do Quantitative Research Analyst internships count toward OPT unemployment limits?

If the internship is paid and directly related to your degree field, it counts as authorized OPT employment and does not contribute to your unemployment day count. Unpaid internships can count too, provided the role is directly tied to your academic program and your DSO has confirmed it qualifies. Always verify with your international student office before starting any unpaid position to avoid inadvertently accumulating unauthorized unemployment days.