STEM OPT Quantitative Research Analyst Jobs
Quantitative Research Analyst roles sit squarely within STEM-designated fields, making them strong fits for F-1 students seeking the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related STEM field must map to an eligible CIP code to qualify.
Find STEM OPT Quantitative Research Analyst JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 685+ Quantitative Research Analyst jobs










See all 685+ Quantitative Research Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Quantitative Research Analyst roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Location:
726 Exchange Street, Buffalo New York
ABOUT THE JOB (JOB BRIEF)
Under some supervision, the Lead Quantitative Analytics Associate is primarily responsible for using statistics, advanced mathematical techniques, and/or computer science to develop and validate predictive and machine-learning models for specific business needs. The Lead Quantitative Analytics Associate leverages advanced mathematical knowledge and analysis to provide solutions to predictive and prescriptive questions such as “What will happen next?” and “What will we do?”. Often large in scope, projects undertaken by the Lead Quantitative Analytics Associate involve self-directed data analysis and model building in response to a problem statement proposed by a business partner. Success factors include: timely and effective completion of tasks assigned by manager with manager and/or peer guidance; exercising functional knowledge in analytical programming languages, data literacy, and model development; effective communication of insights and data to peers; and developing work autonomy and problem-solving.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Conduct quantitative analysis including hypothesis testing and root-cause analysis on large data sets with more autonomy
- Support the working group by identifying types of information needed for analysis or to inform business questions create data structures/transformations to be leveraged by groups for analysis
- Use statistical analysis and machine learning to develop, maintain, and anticipate considerations in implementation of models that address the right business need
- Use critical thinking to use the right approach for each problem statement
- Anticipate business need and make continuous improvements to models and processes
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, financial engineering, data sciences, predictive modeling, or other quantitative disciplines
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience or a minimum of 1 year experience with a Master’s or PhD
DATA LITERACY
Understanding of and ability to:
- Create data structures / transformations
- Identify and capture different types of information for business needs or necessary for analysis
- Data controls
- Hypothesis testing / root-cause analysis
- Leverage and anticipate considerations in implementation
TECHNOLOGY & TECHNIQUES
- Advanced Microsoft Office Suite
- SQL/NoSQL
- Relationship data structure
- Selecting and retrieving data including unstructured data retrieval, archival, and ETL
- Databases
- Advanced Python/R/SAS:
- Databases
- Efficient coding
- Can build strong code controls and translate code into high-level commentary
- Understanding of and ability to leverage:
- Cloud-based computing
- Distributed computing
MODEL BUILDING & MAINTENANCE
Understanding of:
- Model use, requirements, and implementation needs
- Model Risk Management process and foundations
- Testing for deterioration and model health
- Scale and fundamental concepts of Machine Learning
- How statistical measurements are used
- Advanced data techniques for modeling frameworks
Ability to:
- Produce and identify information through statistical analysis
- Effectively explain model insights to peers and analytics community
- Identify preferred approach given the problem statement
EXPECTED COMPETENCIES
- Leadership: Some self-direction, likely will need some guidance and supervision; Starting to anticipate possible business problems – improving something that already exists
- Partnering / Influencing: Developing relationship building and interpersonal skills; Partnerships and influence typically at peer or “working group” level; Building influencing skills; demonstrated in area of expertise or assigned LOB
- Business Acumen: Understands business partner strategy and the business of banking at a high level; Asks the right questions; Understands upstream and downstream impacts
- Critical Thinking / Problem Solving: Demonstrates critical thinking; Analyzes, identifies and recommends appropriate solutions to moderately complex problems; Can translate data and answer the “why” question; Starting to understand impacts / intersections with others
- Communication: Solid writing skills; Can cohesively present and organize information in support of findings and recommendations; Demonstrates confidence in communicating a message (typically narrow in scope); Can tell a compelling story with data and information; Emerging presentation development and delivery skills
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $71,000.00 - $125,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives. Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 09/17/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
LI-Hybrid
See all 685+ STEM OPT Quantitative Research Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Quantitative Research Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Quantitative Research Analyst
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list. Statistics, applied mathematics, financial engineering, and computer science programs almost always qualify, but interdisciplinary degrees sometimes don't.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters directly whether the firm is enrolled in E-Verify before you invest time in later interview rounds. Hedge funds and boutique quant shops sometimes aren't enrolled, even when they're otherwise willing to hire OPT students.
Use Migrate Mate to target verified sponsors
Search Quantitative Research Analyst roles on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers with confirmed STEM OPT hiring history. This cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to firms that have never filed for OPT students.
Benchmark your offer against DOL prevailing wages
Pull the wage level for your specific role and metro area using the OFLC Wage Search before you negotiate. Employers filing a training plan under STEM OPT must pay you the prevailing wage for your occupation, so knowing Level II or III rates gives you a factual baseline.
File your I-983 training plan before your OPT end date
Work with your DSO to submit the I-983 at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Quantitative research roles must describe specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not generic job duties, or USCIS can reject the plan.
Understand cap-gap coverage if you're H-1B selected
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your STEM OPT work authorization through September 30. Confirm your employer intends to file in March so you can plan your authorization timeline accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Research Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. The role falls under SOC codes tied to mathematical science and operations research occupations, which are covered by STEM OPT. Your degree, not just your job title, must also map to an eligible CIP code on the STEM designated degree program list. Degrees in statistics, applied mathematics, financial engineering, and computer science routinely qualify. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before filing.
What does my employer need to do to support my STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must sign the I-983 training plan alongside you. The plan requires them to describe specific technical skills and learning objectives your role will develop, not just list your job duties. They also must attest that you'll be paid at least the prevailing wage for your occupation and location, as determined by DOL wage data. Employers who have never hired STEM OPT students before sometimes underestimate this paperwork burden.
How do I find Quantitative Research Analyst positions where the employer is already enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters for employers with confirmed STEM OPT hiring history, so you can focus on firms that are already enrolled in E-Verify and familiar with the I-983 process. This matters especially in the quant space, where many boutique hedge funds and prop trading firms are willing to hire but haven't completed E-Verify enrollment, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT employers regardless of intent.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses?
Your STEM OPT authorization is tied to your employer maintaining active E-Verify enrollment throughout your extension period. If enrollment lapses, you're technically out of status even if you continue working. USCIS requires ongoing compliance, not just enrollment at the time of filing. Verify your employer's E-Verify status with your DSO periodically, and confirm it again before each annual I-983 attestation.
What happens to my work authorization if I'm selected in the H-1B lottery while on STEM OPT?
Cap-gap protection automatically extends your STEM OPT work authorization if your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf and you're selected. Your authorization continues through September 30 of that year, bridging the gap until the H-1B start date of October 1. Your employer must file the petition before your STEM OPT expires for cap-gap to apply. Confirm the filing timeline with your employer well before the March registration window closes.