At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive alpha and signal generation in a collaborative equities stat arb team.
- Company: High-performing, research-led team based in London with strong engineering support.
- Benefits: Visa sponsorship available, real ownership of projects, and visible impact on PnL.
- Other info: On-site role in London with a high-accountability team environment.
- Why this job: Join a rare opportunity for genuine signal ownership and career growth.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years in systematic equity research, strong programming skills, and statistical intuition.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A high-performing, research-led, collaborative equities stat arb team in London is hiring a Quant Researcher to drive alpha and signal generation. This is a rare chance to join a lean pod where researchers have real ownership, strong engineering support around them, and a clear mandate across cash equities.
Scope
- Research, design, and validate alpha signals for cash equities stat arb strategies
- Build robust feature sets from market, fundamental, and alternative datasets
- Run disciplined backtesting and statistical validation to avoid overfitting
- Translate research into production-ready signals in collaboration with engineering
- Monitor live performance and iterate on signals as market regimes shift
- Contribute to idea generation and the team’s evolving research framework
Ideal profile
- 2 to 5 years of experience in systematic equity research
- Strong statistical intuition and a rigorous research process (hypothesis, testing, validation)
- Solid programming skills (Python required; familiarity with research-to-production workflows is a plus)
- Experience working with equities data and market microstructure awareness preferred
- Candidates from prop trading environments are interesting, but top long-only / fundamental researchers with a systematic mindset are also of interest
- Comfort working in a small, high-accountability team where your work has visible impact
Nice to have
- Single-stock research exposure with a clear, testable signal mindset
- Experience with factor research, statistical arbitrage, or systematic equities strategies
- Familiarity with portfolio construction concepts and risk-aware signal development
Logistics
- London-based role, on-site
- No remote / overseas-based working
- Hiring timeline: next 1 to 2 months
If you’re a mid-level researcher who wants genuine signal ownership and a direct line between your work and PnL, this is the kind of seat that doesn’t come up often.
Quant Researcher - Collaborative Cash Equities Team - daily to monthly holding period employer: J K Barnes
Join a high-performing, research-led team in London where you will have the opportunity to drive alpha and signal generation in a collaborative environment. With strong engineering support and a clear mandate across cash equities, this role offers genuine ownership of your work, ample opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a visible impact in a small, high-accountability team. The vibrant London location further enhances the experience, providing access to a dynamic financial hub.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quant Researcher - Collaborative Cash Equities Team - daily to monthly holding period
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like J K Barnes. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Quant Researcher - Collaborative Cash Equities Team - daily to monthly holding period
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to J K Barnes.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on J K Barnes's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at J K Barnes
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with J K Barnes.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at J K Barnes will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former J K Barnes employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
