Quantitative Trader Graduate Program (Feb 2025)

What you’ll do as a Graduate Quantitative Trader at Akuna:

Our Quantitative Team are a mixture of mathematicians, statisticians and technologists that find solutions to problems. We create trading models and strategies scientifically by combining our quantitative expertise with an understanding of derivatives and financial markets. We are seeking Juniors to join the team to apply their quantitative skills to exciting problems. You don't need a background in finance or trading, instead we look for maths and coding skills.

Our Quantitative Traders are creative thinkers who can capture trading opportunities, convert ideas into solutions and pilot sophisticated strategies with mathematical and programming skills. Our Quant traders trade alongside our options and market making traders, as well as undertake quantitative projects.

If this sounds interesting to you, apply now! We are looking for people who have innovative ideas, think analytically, and have an entrepreneurial mindset and want to make an immediate impact in our growing company and contribute to Akuna’s strategy portfolio.

Start date: February 2025

Training: As a junior, you will be paired with a mentor to work together on your first project, and we offer extensive training opportunities to learn about market making, our systems, and financial theories such as Options Greeks and Black Scholes methods.

What you’ll do:

• Gain a deep theoretical understanding of derivatives theory, market structure and portfolio construction
• Manage live strategies in production and improve profitability by converting ideas into quantitative models
• Working with a team of quants and developers on our data and research stack to implement and test original systematic strategies

 What you’ll bring:

• Australian or NZ citizen or Australian Permanent residences only
• VISA: you need full working rights that lead to PR, such as the Graduate Work Visa 485. Akuna does not offer sponsorship for this position
• University Degree graduating before February 2025 and within the last 3 years
• Bachelor, Honours, Masters or PhDs in Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related degrees
• Distinction Average & proven strong academics
• Awards, prizes, medals, competitions, & scholarships
• Experience in research within an academic or professional environment
• Achievements outside of studies through your hobbies & interests
• An understanding of advanced Mathematics: Calculus, Stochastic Processes, Linear Algebra, Statistics and Optimization
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis, numerical linear algebra, machine learning or convex optimization
• Intermediate programming skills in Python (C++ is a plus)
• Ability to process complex information quickly and accurately under pressure
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Financial experience or studies are NOT a requirement

What you’ll get:

• Structured learning program built upon our flagship Options 101 Course by our dedicated Trader Training Manager
• An attractive base salary, generous bonus structure & relocation package if you’re not from Sydney.
• Professional development, global mobility opportunities & tuition reimbursements to make sure you keep learning.
• Buddy program to help you transition into Akuna, your role and your team, as well as build connections and support network
• Catch up with your colleagues over coffee made by our in-house barista & grab a bite to eat in our fully stocked kitchen
• Weekly social events, team competitions & Akuna clubs
• 180-degree views of Darling Harbour in our collaborative, open plan office space in Barangaroo
• Paid volunteer leave to give back to communities and/ causes that are important to you