At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and evaluate predictive signals using large datasets and design robust backtests.
- Company: Leading systematic investment team in London with a high-performing culture.
- Benefits: Direct exposure to live trading strategies and clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make an impact in systematic investing from day one.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field with programming skills, especially in Python.
- Other info: Intellectually rigorous environment with meritocratic recognition of strong ideas.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a leading systematic investment team in London seeking an exceptional early-career Quantitative Researcher to join a high-performing, research-driven environment. This is a rare opportunity to work directly alongside experienced portfolio managers and researchers, contributing to live trading strategies from the outset. The team operates at the intersection of data science, financial theory, and advanced engineering, with a strong emphasis on original thinking and rigorous experimentation.
The Opportunity
From day one, you will be immersed in the research lifecycle—helping to generate, test, and refine alpha signals across liquid global markets. The role is designed for individuals who combine strong academic foundations with a genuine curiosity for markets and data.
You will:
- Develop and evaluate predictive signals using large, complex datasets
- Design and run robust backtests across multiple asset classes and time horizons
- Explore new modelling approaches, including statistical and machine learning techniques
- Work closely with senior researchers and developers to translate ideas into production
- Contribute to improving research infrastructure and data workflows
Who They’re Looking For
This role targets high-potential junior talent ready to step into a front-office research environment. You should meet one of the following criteria:
- A Master’s graduate (from a leading/red-brick university) with relevant internship experience in quant research, trading, or data science
- A recently completed or soon-to-complete PhD (2025 or 2026) in a highly quantitative discipline
In addition, you will likely have:
- Strong grounding in mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, or a related field
- Proven programming ability (typically Python; C++ or similar is a plus)
- Experience working with data—cleaning, analysing, and extracting signal
- A methodical, research-oriented mindset with attention to detail
- A genuine interest in financial markets and systematic trading
Why This Role
- Direct exposure to live trading strategies from an early stage
- Highly collaborative, intellectually rigorous team culture
- Meritocratic environment where strong ideas are quickly recognised and implemented
- Clear progression into a long-term research career within systematic investing
Additional Requirements
- Ability to start no later than September 2026
- Right to work in the UK (or ability to secure it quickly)
Junior Quantitative Researcher – Systematic Strategies in Slough employer: Eka Finance
Contact Detail:
Eka Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Quantitative Researcher – Systematic Strategies in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the industry through LinkedIn or local meetups. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and market knowledge. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your ideas and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it’s a personal project or something from your studies, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart. We love seeing creativity and original thinking!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for fresh talent ready to dive into the world of quantitative research.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Quantitative Researcher – Systematic Strategies in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Junior Quantitative Researcher role. Highlight any relevant internships or projects that showcase your quantitative skills and programming abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about quantitative research and financial markets. Share specific examples of your curiosity and how you've applied your academic knowledge in practical settings.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your programming skills, especially in Python. If you’ve worked with data analysis or machine learning techniques, make sure to include those experiences to demonstrate your technical prowess.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the quickest way for us to see your application and get you into the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eka Finance
✨Know Your Data
Make sure you’re well-versed in the datasets relevant to quantitative research. Brush up on your data cleaning and analysis skills, as you might be asked to discuss how you would handle large datasets or extract signals during the interview.
✨Brush Up on Your Programming Skills
Since programming is key for this role, especially in Python, ensure you can demonstrate your coding abilities. Be prepared to solve a coding challenge or explain your past projects involving programming, particularly those related to financial data.
✨Understand Financial Markets
Show genuine curiosity about financial markets and systematic trading. Read up on current trends and be ready to discuss how they might impact trading strategies. This will help you connect your academic background with real-world applications.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions about the team’s research processes or the types of models they use. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career goals.