At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and support innovative quantitative trading strategies using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join a leading financial technology firm revolutionising algorithmic trading.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with exciting career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of quantitative finance.
- Qualifications: 3 years in finance tech roles; strong Python and statistical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
i SAM is an innovative, financial technology firm specialising in quantitative trading, comprised of i SAM Funds and i SAM Securities.
i SAM Securities regulated by the FCA, SFC, and CIMA registered, is a leading algorithmic trading firm and trusted electronic market maker, providing liquidity, technology and prime services to institutional clients and trading venues globally.
The firm offers full-service prime brokerage and execution via its cutting-edge proprietary technology, as well as market leading analytics, cleared through the group’s bank Prime Brokers.
i SAM Funds is an alternative asset manager specialising in systematic investing.
Each strategy is unique, provides a specialist quantitative approach and is designed to deliver highly diversifying absolute returns for institutional portfolios.
About the Role i SAM Helix is an Equities Statistical Arbitrage (Stat Arb) business line within i SAM Funds, which trades 24/6 globally. i SAM Helix has been live since 2021 and continues to evolve rapidly as part of an ambitious roadmap focused on expanding strategy breadth and capacity.
Helix consists of four groups: Research, Quantitative Development, Technology and Data.
The project is highly collaborative; the team are looking for a Quantitative Developer capable of working on all aspects of the trading platform - research, development, and live trading platforms.
Technology is a front‑line function within Helix, playing a critical role in systematic trading.
Both the research platform and the production trading system are built on top of a custom implementation of high‑performance python graph (DAG).
The same graph framework is being used across the whole environment – research and back testing, live trading, analytics, risk, position keeping and P&L.
Responsibilities
- Develop and support complex quantitative Stat Arb strategies involving large‑scale data processing, sophisticated statistical modelling, portfolio construction and highly optimised execution.
- Build and maintain systems handling highly diversified equity portfolios.
- Monitor transaction costs and behaviour of a high‑turnover strategy.
- Process and analyse vast historical datasets for research and back‑testing, alongside real‑time, tick‑level market data for live trading.
- Contribute to the design and use of a high‑performance, graph‑based (DAG) framework enabling concurrent data processing for research and production.
- Monitor and manage execution quality, transaction costs and market risks arising from changing market regimes and small statistical effects.
- Work closely with quantitative researchers to enhance tooling, frameworks and shared feature libraries.
- Take ownership of system components in a fast‑paced, agile environment, working both independently and collaboratively as required.
- Participate in live trading support, including interaction with orders and brokers as part of a rota (FCA certification required).
Qualifications
3 years’ experience in a technical role within the finance industry (investment bank, hedge fund and associated firms)
- Degree in Mathematics or Physics preferred; other STEM subjects such as Computer Science will also be considered.
- Python: Strong software developer with in‑depth knowledge and experience.
- Numpy (including numba): in‑depth knowledge is required.
- Strong knowledge of Unix systems (processes, memory, I/O).
- Deep understanding of statistical methods, numerical optimisation and equity market microstructure.
- Experience working with graph‑based (DAG) data processing frameworks.
- Personal Attributes
- Highly analytical with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Comfortable tackling complex, ambiguous problems with limited oversight.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely with researchers, technologists and trading operations.
- Calm and reliable under pressure, particularly in live trading environments.
- Key Outcomes
- Delivery of robust, scalable and high‑performance systems supporting live trading.
- Tangible improvements to research productivity, execution quality and platform stability.
- Technical excellence and system ownership.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Helix Junior Quantitative Developer employer: iSAM Securities
iSAM is an exceptional employer for those seeking to thrive in the fast-paced world of quantitative trading. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and complex financial strategies. Located in a vibrant financial hub, iSAM offers unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of algorithmic trading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Helix Junior Quantitative Developer
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like iSAM Securities.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to iSAM Securities's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Helix Junior Quantitative Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at iSAM Securities
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.