At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative metals trading strategies and conduct alpha research in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Leading physical trading organisation with a focus on systematic commodities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fast-track career growth, and exposure to unique market insights.
- Why this job: Explore diverse commodities while making impactful contributions to a cutting-edge trading desk.
- Qualifications: 3–10+ years in systematic commodities trading, strong Python skills, and metals expertise preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture prioritising collaboration and shared success.
The predicted salary is between 144000 - 216000 £ per year.
Location: London (can support relocation to Geneva)
The Mandate
This mandate is to add deep systematic expertise in Metals— base and/or precious— into a fully automated commodities trading desk at a leading physical trading organization. The team is collaborative, and runs an integrated signal library across commodities. You will drive metals-focused alpha research using fundamental and market structure insights, with the mandate to identify differentiated opportunities beyond standard CTA-style price-only approaches.
Why This Seat
- Breadth + Freedom: Unlike narrow single-market seats, you’ll be encouraged to explore adjacent commodities and cross-market effects while anchoring in Metals.
- Differentiated Inputs: Exposure to data and market insight from a physical trading ecosystem that most buy-side systematic shops cannot replicate.
- Meaningful Risk Path: Strong performers can earn increased risk allocation and responsibility faster than typical pod “research-only” tracks.
What You’ll Do
- Develop Metals Strategies: Build systematic signals rooted in metals-specific fundamentals (supply chains, inventories, flows, curve/term structure, relative value).
- Execution-Aware Research: Ensure strategies survive real trading constraints—liquidity, slippage, and transaction costs—before production release.
- Integrate & Scale: Contribute strategies into a shared library; participate in correlation review, risk sizing, and ongoing performance management.
- Raise the Bar Desk-Wide: Help improve tools, datasets, and processes that lift the entire systematic platform.
What You Bring
- Experience: 3–10+ years in systematic commodities research/trading; metals specialization strongly preferred (precious and/or base).
- Fundamental Depth: Ability to source, clean, and interpret fundamental metals datasets and translate them into systematic, testable hypotheses.
- Relevant Backgrounds: Systematic buy-side environments; researchers under PMs in multi-manager/pod setups are relevant if they’ve built real, differentiated alphas.
- Technical Stack: Strong Python required; ability to productionize research into a shared codebase.
- Operating Style: High rigor, low-ego collaboration, and comfort operating in an environment that puts the teams goals first.
Compensation & Preferences
- Start Timing: Preference for candidates able to start around June 1 (fiscal year runs June 1–May 31). Earlier is welcomed; April 1 ideal.
- Notice / Non-compete: Prefer ≤6 months; longer timelines may be workable depending on jurisdiction and scope.
- Compensation: Base typically ~CHF 180–200k (seniority dependent). Strong years can drive total comp materially higher, with meaningful upside for top contributors.
At Onyx Alpha Partners, we are committed to connecting the most sought after talent in the financial world, to opportunities that expand the universe of unconstrained performance within their chosen discipline. If this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations, we encourage you to apply and explore the potential for growth and unparalleled success.
Quantitative Trader (Systematic Commodities — Metals: Precious & Base) — Physical Trading Platform employer: Onyx Alpha Partners
Contact Detail:
Onyx Alpha Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantitative Trader (Systematic Commodities — Metals: Precious & Base) — Physical Trading Platform
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your quantitative trading strategies and research. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and market insights. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the metals market. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantitative Trader (Systematic Commodities — Metals: Precious & Base) — Physical Trading Platform
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in systematic commodities trading, especially with metals. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about metals trading and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal—let us get to know you!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since strong Python skills are a must, make sure to highlight any relevant technical projects or experiences. If you've productionised research before, let us know! We love seeing how you can contribute to our shared codebase.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out—hit that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Onyx Alpha Partners
✨Know Your Metals Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of both precious and base metals. Understand the supply chains, inventories, and market structures that influence prices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills
Since strong Python skills are a must, be prepared to showcase your coding abilities. You might be asked to solve a problem or explain how you've used Python in past projects. Bring examples of your work or even a small project that highlights your ability to productionise research into a shared codebase.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role emphasises teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in previous positions. Share specific examples where you contributed to a team’s success, especially in a systematic trading environment. Highlight your low-ego approach and how you prioritise team goals over individual accolades.
✨Prepare for Real-World Constraints
Understand the practical challenges of trading, such as liquidity, slippage, and transaction costs. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure that your strategies are robust enough to survive these constraints. This shows that you’re not just a theorist but someone who can think critically about real-world applications.