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.
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Who we are looking for
The Quantitative Research Analyst (Officer) will be a member of the Insights team and will assist in building and deploying quantitative research tooling and proprietary time-series data products for State Street Markets’ client-facing research portal, Insights. The Insights team is part of State Street Associates (SSA), a unique partnership between State Street and thought leaders in academic finance, headquartered in Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA. In collaboration with our academic partners, we produce original research that is frequently published in academic and practitioner journals, and which helps inform our suite of multi-asset data products in areas such as asset flow and positioning, inflation, and market risk.
In this role, the Quantitative Research Analyst will work cross-functionally with senior researchers, macro strategists, and technologists to translate research concepts into production-ready data products and tools within Insights. The successful candidate will help design and build custom indices, factor series, and other derived time-series datasets. They will also contribute to defining refined and normalized data series that can be reliably charted and used in downstream analysis. A key part of the role is supporting the buildout of new AI-enabled research tooling that accelerates the research process, including quantitative libraries being developed to interface directly with large language models.
Why this role is important to us
The team you will be joining is a part of State Street Markets. As a leading provider of trading and lending solutions to the world’s institutional investors, we deliver the industry’s most innovative platforms, financing and portfolio solutions. Our capabilities are backed by proprietary, high-value research, insights and indicators that power clients’ investment decisions, accelerate performance and help investors stay ahead of shifting markets. Across our comprehensive set of solutions – data-driven macro market intelligence that give an information advantage; client-first platforms and tools that redefine trading; financing solutions that streamline liquidity access; and portfolio solutions designed to help achieve peak performance – we deliver a breakthrough edge to drive business success.
What you will be responsible for
As Quantitative Research Analyst, you will
- Build and maintain proprietary time-series datasets used in Insights research products.
- Design custom indices, factor series, and derived financial indicators.
- Conduct quantitative analysis and backtesting across different market environments.
- Develop Python libraries that support repeatable research and analytical workflows.
- Help build AI-enabled tools that accelerate research production and exploration.
- Translate research concepts into scalable data products and analytical tools.
- Partner with researchers, strategists, and technologists to implement new capabilities.
- Validate data quality, model outputs, and analytical results before publication or release.
What we value
These skills will help you succeed in this role
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- High proficiency in Python, SQL, and financial time-series analysis.
- Curiosity about applying AI tools to improve research workflows.
- Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly to cross-functional partners.
- Careful attention to data quality, validation, and analytical rigor.
Education & Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience in finance, economics, mathematics, computer science, data science, or a related quantitative field.
- 3+ years of relevant experience in quantitative research, quantitative development, data science, or financial analytics.
- Strong experience working with Python, SQL, and large structured datasets.
- Familiarity with financial markets, asset classes, factor research, or investment data.
- Experience with AI-assisted coding or large language model tools is preferred.
- Experience with Oracle or other relational databases is helpful.
Are you the right candidate? Yes!
We truly believe in the power that comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences our employees bring with them. Although each vacancy details what we are looking for, we don’t necessarily need you to fulfil all of them when applying. If you like change and innovation, seek to see the bigger picture, make data driven decisions and are a good team player, you could be a great fit.
About State Street
What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation, we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.
Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary by location, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans, among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Programs to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.
Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift programs and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.
State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Salary Range:
$125,000 - $143,750 Annual
The range quoted above applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location above, the applicable range could differ.
Employees are eligible to participate in State Street’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes: our retirement savings plan (401K) with company match; insurance coverage including basic life, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and other optional additional coverages; paid-time off including vacation, sick leave, short term disability, and family care responsibilities; access to our Employee Assistance Program; incentive compensation including eligibility for annual performance-based awards (excluding certain sales roles subject to sales incentive plans); and, eligibility for certain tax advantaged savings plans.
Job Application Disclosure:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.