At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop Python libraries, analyse trade data, and optimise market-making strategies.
- Company: Join Keyrock, a leading digital asset market maker with a global team.
- Benefits: Paid 6-month internship, hybrid work, and opportunities for offsite events.
- Other info: Collaborative culture valuing innovation and ownership.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the fast-paced world of crypto and DeFi.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate in quantitative fields with Python and SQL skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: London or Brussels (Hybrid)
About Keyrock
Founded in 2017, Keyrock is a leading digital asset market maker with 200+ team members globally, representing 42 nationalities. We trade across more than 80 exchanges and run desks in market making, options, OTC and DeFi. We’re known for our tech‑first approach, Rust‑based trading systems and for actively shaping the future of digital asset markets. At Keyrock, we're not just envisioning the future of digital assets. We're actively building it.
The Role
We are looking for a high‑caliber Quantitative Analyst Intern to sit within our Strategic Market Making team. In our Strategic Proprietary Market Making team, we deploy capital across CEXs and DEXs to capture structural, incentive‑driven and exotic market opportunities. Strategic Market Making operates at the frontier of digital asset markets‑identifying and executing on opportunities that emerge from new token launches, foundation mandates, liquidity programs, incentive distortions and evolving market microstructure. Unlike traditional service market making desks, this team is unencumbered by SLA obligations and is purpose‑built to move quickly, iterate strategies and allocate capital dynamically where risk‑adjusted returns are most compelling. You will also support our on‑going expansion into the Perpetual DEX ecosystem, bridging the gap between TradFi rigor and DeFi innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Scalable Quant Infrastructure: Assist in the development of modular Python‑based libraries (utilizing Pandas, NumPy, and Polars) to standardize performance metrics and unify global trading data.
- Strategy Forensics: Perform deep‑dive statistical analysis on trade‑level data to decompose PnL drivers, isolate alpha decay, and identify execution drag or "toxic flow."
- Perp DEX Optimization: Analyze the incentive structures and market‑making programs of leading protocols (e.g., Hyperliquid/HIP‑3, Paradex, Lighter). You will help optimize our participation to maximize protocol rewards and capital efficiency.
- Operational Intelligence: Build and maintain automated workflows that convert raw L1/L2 order book data into actionable insights for the Trading and Investment Committees.
- Market Monitoring: Proactively track market microstructure signals and portfolio exposures to highlight emerging risks and identify underutilized liquidity opportunities.
Who You Are
- Recent or upcoming graduate from a top university in financial engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
- Technical Proficiency: You have a solid foundation in Python (specifically for data science) and SQL. Exposure to Rust or a strong desire to learn it is highly valued.
- Mathematical Rigor: Strong academic background in a quantitative field (Math, Physics, CS, or Financial Engineering). You are comfortable with probability, statistics, and linear algebra applied to real‑world trading.
- "Skin in the Game": You aren't just a theorist. You have a track record of running automated or semi‑automated strategies—be it funding arbitrage, cash & carry, or delta‑neutral market‑making.
- Domain Expertise: You have a working knowledge of traditional equity market structure but are a "DeFi native" at heart, with an understanding of Perpetual DEX dynamics and on‑chain mechanics.
- High‑Stakes Agility: You thrive in fast‑paced environments, can manage multiple workstreams, and have the "owner mindset" to see projects through to completion.
- Communication: Fluency in English is a must; the ability to explain complex technical concepts simply is even better.
What We Offer
- A 6 month paid internship in our vibrant London or Brussels offices with a hybrid set‑up.
- Company and team wide offsites.
- A global, collaborative and tech‑driven environment.
- Autonomy & Impact - our flat structure means you can contribute your ideas from day one and help shape the foundation that will power Keyrock’s future business.
- Culture of Excellence - we value nimbleness, drive for success, owner mentality and collaboration.
Our recruitment philosophy
We value self‑awareness and powerful communication skills in our recruitment process. We seek fiercely passionate people who understand themselves and their career goals. We're after those with the right skills and a conscious choice to join our field. The perfect fit? A crypto enthusiast who’s driven, collaborative, acts with ownership and delivers solid, scalable outcomes. As an employer we are committed to building a positive and collaborative work environment. We welcome employees of all backgrounds, and hire, reward and promote entirely based on merit and performance. Due to the nature of our business and external requirements, we perform background checks on all potential employees, passing which is a prerequisite to join Keyrock.
Quantitative Analyst Intern employer: Keyrock UK Limited
Keyrock is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture, offering a unique opportunity for interns to contribute to the rapidly evolving digital asset market. With a focus on autonomy and impact, employees are encouraged to share their ideas from day one, while benefiting from a flat organisational structure that promotes personal and professional growth. Located in the dynamic cities of London or Brussels, interns will enjoy a hybrid work setup, company-wide offsites, and the chance to be part of a tech-driven environment that values excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantitative Analyst Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, especially those in the Quantitative Analyst space. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Python and SQL skills. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've applied quantitative methods in real-world scenarios. Show us your passion for crypto!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in DeFi and market-making strategies. Being able to discuss recent developments will show your enthusiasm and knowledge during interviews. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Keyrock.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantitative Analyst Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Crypto:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the crypto world shine through! We want to see that you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely excited about digital assets and how they’re shaping the future.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in Python and SQL. If you've dabbled in Rust or have a keen interest in learning it, mention that too! We love candidates who are eager to expand their skill set.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experiences and how they relate to the role. We appreciate candidates who can communicate complex ideas simply!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keyrock UK Limited
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your Python and SQL skills before the interview. Keyrock is looking for someone who can handle data science tasks, so be ready to discuss your experience with libraries like Pandas and NumPy. If you have any projects or examples where you've used these tools, bring them up!
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in digital assets and DeFi. Keyrock operates at the cutting edge of market making, so being able to discuss recent developments or protocols like Hyperliquid or Paradex will show that you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable about the field.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to perform deep statistical analysis. Think of specific instances where you've decomposed PnL drivers or optimised strategies. Being able to articulate your thought process and the impact of your work will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since communication is key, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to explain your previous projects or technical ideas, so make sure you can break them down for someone who might not have a technical background. This will highlight your ability to collaborate effectively within the team.
