At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Optiver Trading Academy to learn options theory and develop trading algorithms.
- Company: Optiver, a leading global market maker, offers an exclusive programme for Oxford students.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, compete in the Oxbridge Varsity Final, and enhance your skills.
- Other info: Course runs from October 26 to November 21, with evening sessions and a final competition.
- Why this job: Dive into algorithmic trading and make your mark in a competitive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Oxford student with strong maths skills and basic Python knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
The Optiver & Oxford Trading Academy is an exclusive eight-session program led by Optiver industry expert Robbert Pullen. This programme takes you from the foundations of options theory to hands-on algorithm development and testing. Fine-tune your skills on Optiver's simulated exchange, Optibook, while blending academic insights with industry application, providing you with tools and skills directly applicable to a career in the trading industry.
You'll walk away with:
- A deep understanding of financial markets, options theory and algorithmic trading – no financial background required!
- Direct experience on a simulated market exchange, offering a glimpse into what it's like to work as a trader at a leading global market maker.
- The skill to design and optimise a Python trading algorithm based on real financial market data.
- An opportunity to test your algorithm and represent Oxford in the Oxbridge Varsity Final algo trading competition - the live trading showdown against Cambridge.
Course overview:
- Market making theory: Foundations of market making, including options theory, evolving to practical data analysis and Python algorithm design.
- Hands-on practice: Build and optimise Python-based trading algorithms in Optibook, our real-time simulated exchange.
- Competitive challenges: The lectures and workshops build your knowledge step by step, helping you and your team refine your strategies in preparation for the Varsity Final.
- Varsity Final: On Saturday 21 November, Oxford and Cambridge participants face off in a live algorithmic trading competition, followed by a prize-giving and celebration.
Eligibility criteria:
- A registered student at the University of Oxford.
- A strong aptitude in mathematics.
- Basic coding proficiency - participants will use Python for this challenge.
- No prior backgrounds in financial markets is required.
Application procedure:
Complete the online application form below. After you submit your application, you will receive an email inviting you to Optiver’s Online Assessment Platform to complete the OAP test—a 30-minute assessment that must be completed within 3 days. Please check your Spam or Junk folder if you do not receive it. Should any issues arise, or if you do not receive the assessment email, please reach out to our recruitment team via email for assistance and include 'Oxford Optiver Trading Academy' in the subject line to help us quickly identify the matter. You will hear back about your application decision by Monday, October 19.
Key dates:
- Course duration: October 26 – November 21, 2026
- Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays evenings (17:00–19:30) - no session on Tuesday 3 November, session instead will be Wednesday 4 November
- Finale: Oxbridge Varsity Trading Final + Prize Giving — Saturday 21 November
- Applications deadline: Wednesday 14 October, 23:59 BST.
- Complete online assessments by Thursday 15 October, 12:00 BST (Midday).
Apply below for this incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge and get practical skills in the world of algorithmic trading.
Oxford Trading Academy 2026 in London employer: Optiver
Optiver is an exceptional employer for aspiring software developers, offering a dynamic internship experience in the heart of London’s financial district. With a strong focus on mentorship and collaboration, interns will engage in real-world projects that enhance their technical skills while enjoying extensive office perks, including meals and social activities. The supportive work culture fosters continuous improvement and provides a pathway to full-time opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about technology and finance.
