Exotic Options Quantitative Researcher

About Optiver

Optiver is a prominent global market maker, initiated in Amsterdam, with a network of offices including Sydney, London, Chicago, and other major financial centers. Founded in 1986, the company employs about 2,000 professionals worldwide dedicated to enhancing market quality through competitive pricing, efficient execution, and effective risk control. Optiver trades various financial instruments such as listed derivatives, cash equities, ETFs, bonds, and foreign exchange by deploying its own capital and risk.

The Sydney office plays a key role in Asian markets and acts as the Asia-Pacific headquarters. It is actively engaged in markets like Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan.

Role Overview

Financial modelling is integral for strategy design and trading decisions at Optiver. This role is designed for an experienced Exotic Options Quant within the Research team, tasked to bridge complex mathematical models with practical trading systems.

Who You Are

• Holds a degree or PhD in Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.
• Possess strong expertise in options theory and pricing methodologies.
• Have up to 5 years' professional experience, including a minimum of 2 years focused on developing Exotic Option pricing models.
• Proficient in C++ programming, familiar with the latest language standards.
• Experienced with Git version control and Linux operating systems.
• Have worked in financial markets, ideally for a direct competitor or a major global financial services firm such as an investment bank.
• Adept at leveraging mathematical methods to devise solutions implemented in C++.
• Results-driven and pragmatic, prioritizing effective solutions in a competitive trading environment over academic elegance.
• Familiar with a broad range of technology and development practices relevant to option pricing and trading systems integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Address pricing challenges for novel options as part of the options research team.
• Design pricing approaches compatible with existing automated pricing and risk control frameworks.
• Evaluate when to extend current models or develop new pricing models from scratch.
• Identify and document new risk factors associated with exotic options.
• Collaborate with technology, trading, and risk control teams for smooth deployment of new products.
• Continuously analyze and improve existing pricing models with rigorous mathematical scrutiny.
• Maintain and enhance pricing models and associated analytical tools.
• Work closely with other researchers and domain expert traders who utilize your outputs in production environments.

Benefits and Culture

• Attractive performance-based bonus system aligned globally across teams and offices to foster collaboration.
• Opportunity to work with intelligent and diverse colleagues in a stimulating, high-performing atmosphere.
• Availability of training, mentorship, and personal growth initiatives.
• Complimentary daily breakfast and lunch, together with an in-house barista service.
• Gym membership and weekly chair massages to support wellness.
• Regular social activities and biennial company trips.
• Relocation assistance, competitive relocation package, and visa sponsorship when necessary.