Quantitative Researcher; PhD Graduate

Quantitative Researcher (PhD Graduate) - Elite Prop Trading - NYC - Up to $400k TC

Durlston Partners is working with a premier Proprietary Trading firm in New York that operates more like a deep-tech research lab than a traditional Wall Street firm.

You’ll be joining an intellectual powerhouse (a team composed of Putnam Fellows, ICPC World Finalists, and elite PhD researchers) operating in a relaxed, open-collar environment. This is a tech-first culture that values raw intelligence, scientific rigour, and innovation over corporate hierarchy, offering you the freedom to solve the market's most complex puzzles without the red tape.

As a new PhD graduate, you will be mentored by some of the sharpest minds in the industry, learning the intricacies of quantitative finance from the ground up. This is a highly collaborative role where you will apply the advanced mathematical and statistical techniques you developed in academia to massive, real-world financial datasets.

• Apply advanced statistical, machine learning, and mathematical modeling techniques to discover new alpha signals.
• Analyze massive amounts of tick data to build and backtest predictive models for various asset classes.
• Work alongside experienced quants and core developers to optimize and deploy your strategies into live trading environments.
• Continuously refine your research methodology while adapting to fast-paced, ever-changing market dynamics.

• A recent or upcoming PhD from a top-tier university in a highly quantitative field (Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, etc.).
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills and a deep understanding of probability, statistics, and optimization.
• Strong programming capabilities in Python or C++ (experience with Pandas, Num Py, or ML frameworks is a plus).
• Zero prior financial experience is required – just a genuine curiosity for financial markets and a drive to tackle complex, data‑heavy problems.

• Market‑leading graduate compensation (Up to $400k Total Comp depending on interview performance).
• A relaxed, engineering‑led culture with a flat hierarchy and no dress code.
• World‑class mentorship and a clear trajectory to becoming a core strategy owner.
• Direct impact: see your academic research skills translate into immediate, real‑world trading performance.

If you are interested, please apply! Alternatively, feel free to reach out to  for a confidential discussion.