At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise portfolios for a cutting-edge trading platform.
- Company: Join an innovative fintech firm leading in algorithmic trading.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on AI and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a new team shaping the future of systematic trading.
- Qualifications: PhD in a quantitative field and strong Python programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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 Tensor is a brand-new business unit (founded in August 2026) with the remit to build a new systematic, multi-strategy trading platform that will start trading in December 2026.
The Tensor team is responsible for every aspect of the platform, from data to strategy development to portfolio construction to execution to production monitoring, ensuring the system is stable, scalable and robust.
They take an idea from inception to production.
As we grow the platform and onboard additional strategies and asset classes, we are looking for a portfolio researcher to join our London team.
This is a key hire for the team, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to join a new systematic trading business at the beginning.
This is a hands-on position in an intentionally flat structure within a collaborative team where you will be directly responsible for i SAM Tensor’s portfolio construction.
You will work with developers and researchers across the firm to drive our success.
- Responsibililties
- Hands-on day-to-day responsibility of i SAM Tensor’s portfolio and risk management.
- Work closely with the development team to build a suite of portfolio analytics and monitoring infrastructure to ensure the smooth running of the platform.
- Work closely with researchers to enable the smooth onboarding of new strategies.
- Pro-actively find ways to improve all aspects of the platform.
- Support the platform in production on a support rota once certified.
Qualifications
- Ph D in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, computer science, economics or finance.
- A minimum of 3 years working within a quant research team of a systematic trading business.
- Strong hands-on python programming skills with the ability to conduct independent research and build robust analytical tools.
- Strong understanding of statistics, probability, portfolio construction and risk management.
- Ability to connect empirical research with practical investment implementation, including transaction costs, capacity, risk and live performance considerations.
Qualifications (preferred)
- Experience trading macro asset classes (futures, FX, interest-rate swaps).
- Experience with portfolio optimisation techniques.
- Personal Attributes
- You are a smart, intellectually curious, self-driven professional with a high attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
- You have strong communication skills and can clearly explain complex research.
- You enjoy working in a collaborative environment directly with colleagues from multiple backgrounds and areas of expertise.
- You are comfortable working at the coal face of a fast-paced trading environment.
- You take pride in and ownership of your work, care about quality and continuously strive for improvement, both individually and for the wider team.
- You are excited about how (and pro-actively research new ways that) AI could transform the operation of a systematic trading business.
iSAM Tensor - Portfolio Researcher in London employer: iSAM
iSAM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets finance. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for hands-on experience across various aspects of quantitative trading and technology development, fostering collaboration among talented professionals. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology and a supportive culture ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute to our success while enjoying the benefits of working in a leading algorithmic trading firm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land iSAM Tensor - Portfolio Researcher in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like iSAM. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from iSAM.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like iSAM. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace iSAM Tensor - Portfolio Researcher in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in iSAM and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show iSAM how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at iSAM
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with iSAM.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with iSAM's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
