Senior Quantitative Researcher Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Quantitative Researcher roles attract strong H-1B visa sponsorship from hedge funds, prop trading firms, and tech companies. Most employers require a graduate degree in a quantitative field, and the specialty occupation standard is straightforward to meet for this role. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology. For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient. We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better. We are seeking a Senior Quantitative Researcher to join a growing delta-one systematic trading team. This role is focused on alpha research, signal development, and model building across liquid futures and related products, spanning time horizons from high-frequency microstructure to medium-frequency cross-product alpha. The ideal candidate brings deep statistical and empirical research skills with a demonstrated ability to develop, evaluate, and deploy systematic signals and models that generate durable trading edge. This is an opportunity to work directly on high-impact research problems across multiple products and time horizons, partnering closely with traders, researchers, and engineers to translate research into live trading impact.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead alpha research across delta-one products — from signal ideation and backtesting through strategy iteration, production handoff, and ongoing monitoring
Develop predictive signals and models spanning high-frequency microstructure, intraday, and medium-frequency opportunities
Analyze signal performance, strategy attribution, and model behavior to identify improvements as market conditions evolve
Contribute to delta hedging, execution, and pricing research that improves trading performance across the firm
Collaborate with traders and engineers to improve research infrastructure, simulation quality, and data pipelines
Mentor junior researchers and help raise the quality and rigor of the research process
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
5+ years of experience in quantitative research, systematic trading, market making, or a closely related environment, with a demonstrated track record of developing signals, models, or analytics with measurable trading impact
Strong statistical intuition and advanced Python proficiency, with hands-on experience working with large market datasets and designing rigorous backtests and simulations
Deep understanding of market microstructure, execution, risk, and the practical challenges of moving research into production
Ability to generate independent hypotheses and collaborate effectively with traders, researchers, and engineers
Clear communicator with high ownership, intellectual curiosity, and a bias toward thorough, repeatable research
Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field preferred
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.
Salary Range: $225,000—$250,000 USD
Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.
OUR BENEFITS
We strongly believe in the well-being of our employees and their families so we offer outstanding benefits to support you both professionally and personally. These benefits include generous time off, insurance coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits focused on providing the best employee experience. (Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC)
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at info@chicagotrading.com. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.
INTRODUCTION
Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology. For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient. We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better. We are seeking a Senior Quantitative Researcher to join a growing delta-one systematic trading team. This role is focused on alpha research, signal development, and model building across liquid futures and related products, spanning time horizons from high-frequency microstructure to medium-frequency cross-product alpha. The ideal candidate brings deep statistical and empirical research skills with a demonstrated ability to develop, evaluate, and deploy systematic signals and models that generate durable trading edge. This is an opportunity to work directly on high-impact research problems across multiple products and time horizons, partnering closely with traders, researchers, and engineers to translate research into live trading impact.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead alpha research across delta-one products — from signal ideation and backtesting through strategy iteration, production handoff, and ongoing monitoring
Develop predictive signals and models spanning high-frequency microstructure, intraday, and medium-frequency opportunities
Analyze signal performance, strategy attribution, and model behavior to identify improvements as market conditions evolve
Contribute to delta hedging, execution, and pricing research that improves trading performance across the firm
Collaborate with traders and engineers to improve research infrastructure, simulation quality, and data pipelines
Mentor junior researchers and help raise the quality and rigor of the research process
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
5+ years of experience in quantitative research, systematic trading, market making, or a closely related environment, with a demonstrated track record of developing signals, models, or analytics with measurable trading impact
Strong statistical intuition and advanced Python proficiency, with hands-on experience working with large market datasets and designing rigorous backtests and simulations
Deep understanding of market microstructure, execution, risk, and the practical challenges of moving research into production
Ability to generate independent hypotheses and collaborate effectively with traders, researchers, and engineers
Clear communicator with high ownership, intellectual curiosity, and a bias toward thorough, repeatable research
Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field preferred
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.
Salary Range: $225,000—$250,000 USD
Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.
OUR BENEFITS
We strongly believe in the well-being of our employees and their families so we offer outstanding benefits to support you both professionally and personally. These benefits include generous time off, insurance coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits focused on providing the best employee experience. (Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC)
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at info@chicagotrading.com. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Senior Quantitative Researcher Jobs
Target firms with a sponsorship track record
Hedge funds and prop trading firms that hire quant researchers have sponsored H-1B visas consistently for years. Look for employers with public LCA disclosure data showing repeated filings for this exact role title.
Lead with your research output, not just your tools
USCIS evaluates whether the role requires a specific degree. Framing your experience around original research contributions, published work, or novel model development strengthens the specialty occupation argument in your petition.
A PhD significantly improves your position
Many quant research roles at top firms are built around doctoral-level work. A PhD in statistics, mathematics, physics, or computer science can support an O-1A or EB-1A petition, reducing long-term dependence on the H-1B lottery.
Understand the H-1B lottery timing before you accept an offer
H-1B registration opens in March with an October 1 start date. If you miss the current cycle, negotiate a deferred start or ask whether the employer has cap-exempt research affiliate entities that allow earlier employment.
Cap-exempt employers exist in this field
Universities and affiliated nonprofit research organizations are H-1B cap-exempt, meaning no lottery. Some quant roles at academic institutions or federally funded research centers qualify, letting you start work without waiting for a registration cycle.
Document the degree-to-role connection explicitly
Your sponsoring employer's attorney will need to show the position requires a specific bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field. A role description that clearly ties the research function to quantitative disciplines makes this case stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Senior Quantitative Researcher a good fit for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Senior Quantitative Researcher is one of the cleaner specialty occupation cases because the role requires advanced quantitative skills that are directly tied to a degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, or a related field. USCIS approves H-1B visa petitions for this title at high rates, and most established financial firms and tech employers have existing processes for sponsoring this position.
Do I need a PhD to get visa sponsorship as a quant researcher?
A PhD is not required for H-1B sponsorship, but it matters significantly in practice. Most senior quant research roles at hedge funds and asset managers are written around doctoral-level work, and many employers will only sponsor candidates with a PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline. A master's degree can qualify, but it narrows the pool of willing sponsors.
Can a Senior Quantitative Researcher qualify for an O-1A visa instead of H-1B?
Yes, and for candidates with strong research records it can be a better path. The O-1A requires demonstrating extraordinary ability through criteria like published research, high compensation relative to peers, peer review contributions, or critical roles at distinguished organizations. Quant researchers with academic publications, conference presentations, or recognized industry contributions often meet several criteria. There is no lottery and no annual cap.
Which employers actually sponsor visas for quant researcher roles?
Sponsorship is common among large asset managers, systematic hedge funds, high-frequency trading firms, and major technology companies with applied research divisions. You can browse currently open sponsored quant researcher positions on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for roles where employers have indicated willingness to sponsor. This removes the guesswork of identifying which firms will engage with international candidates.
What happens to my visa status if I switch employers between quant roles?
If you are on H-1B status, you can begin working for a new employer as soon as the new employer files an H-1B transfer petition, without waiting for approval, provided you are maintaining valid status. Your new employer must file before your current position ends. A gap in employment can jeopardize your ability to port, so timing the transition carefully with both employers is important.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior Quantitative Researcher jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.