Quantitative Researcher

About Wincent

We are a team of 120 people, primarily Engineers, Traders and Quants, focused on HFT with ~1% of global crypto trading volume. Being a bit weird, we

• Are self-taught; our founders do not come from any of the big HFTs
• Chose to have no VCs on cap-table; this spot is for our colleagues
• Made Bratislava the central hub, not London or Amsterdam

Culture

When you do something you love, it does not feel like work. At Wincent work is purposeful and fulfilling.

• Integrity is not negotiable
• Handshakes are sacred for us. Being in the money making business is good, but that alone is not worth our soul; we follow the motto “Be the good guys in the market”.
• Say things as they are
• Life is too short for games of politics, fluff, or bullshit in general.
• Trust each other
• We embrace internal radical transparency in terms of compensation, bonuses, and trading strategies

About The Position

Are you ready to apply your mathematical and analytical expertise to the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency trading? Join our Quantitative Research team and dive into a dynamic environment where innovation and data-driven strategies are key to success.

The cryptocurrency market has seen explosive growth in recent years, with a global market capitalization hitting $3.2 trillion in November 2024. Institutional interest, technological advancements, and favorable regulatory developments have propelled this market into the mainstream. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has surged toward the $100,000 mark, offering a wealth of opportunities for quantitative researchers to push the boundaries of trading strategy innovation.

As a Quantitative Researcher, you’ll leverage cutting-edge data analytics, mathematical modeling, and strategic thinking to uncover actionable insights and refine our trading algorithms. Your work will directly impact profitability and help shape the future of crypto trading.

Join our Quant team to be a driving force in this exciting, rapidly evolving market.

What Will You Do In The Quant Team

• Collaborate with a team of researchers to explore data from cryptocurrency exchanges, identify patterns and formulate hypotheses for new trading strategies.
• Develop and test models using Python, or any preferred tool, leveraging statistical analysis and probabilistic thinking.
• Work in pairs or independently on various research topics, engaging in daily discussions to challenge and refine ideas.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of trading algorithms, visualize data and identify areas for improvement.
• Communicate findings and proposed strategies to relevant teams, contributing to the enhancement of our trading platform.

What We Expect From You

• 3+ years of experience in quantitative finance and related trading.
• Strong background in mathematics, physics, probability, or statistics, with a focus on probabilistic thinking.
• Coding skills, particularly in Python, to implement and test research models using tools like Jupyter Notebooks.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate ideas and engage in productive discussions within the team.
• Humility and a collaborative mindset, willing to challenge and be challenged to refine ideas.
• Risk-friendly attitude with the ability to make reasoned bets and explore innovative solutions.
• Passion for solving complex problems in the cryptocurrency market and continuous learning.
• Culture Fit: Say things as they are, answer questions truthfully, leave ego at the door, challenge decisions when you disagree, and once a decision is final, commit and deliver your best.
• Willing to relocate or spend 50% of the time in Bratislava

Interview process

• Introductory call: Learn more about the company and get your questions answered.
• Online Math test + Coding Challenge: Low-to-medium complexity problems focused on probability, logic, and mathematical skills + algorithmic coding tasks. This is a take-home challenge that you can do anytime in your free time.
• Quant Interview: General discussion about your background and passions, followed by medium-hard complexity problems to assess your intuition and problem-solving approach.
• Soft skills interview: A discussion focused on your prior experiences and interpersonal skills.
• On-site interview: Engage in a set of betting games to evaluate your quantitative reasoning and decision-making skills.

The final rounds will take place on-site in Bratislava, Slovakia. All costs are covered and you\’ll get to know the team, city, and our venues.

Compensation, Work Arrangement, And Benefits

• Salary + bonuses: Your total estimated annual compensation package includes a fixed salary and performance bonuses paid twice a year. Your compensation in Slovakia can be around €160,000 which is equivalent to earning €419,375 in London according to livingcost.org due to low living costs and low income taxes in Slovakia, see below.
• Monthly fixed salary: We value specific expertise and offer above-the-market rates tailored to your experience and seniority level. You can expect it to be between €5k and €8k with one of the lowest personal income tax rates in Europe which provides you with a very high living standard.
• Bonuses twice a year: We pay performance bonuses every 6 months. As an experienced quant, you can typically look forward to a 15% profit share and that this can result in 1.5M bonus. If you are starting your career, you can take home between €50k and €100k annually, depending on your and the fund’s performance.
• Equity: You can opt to allocate a portion of your monthly salary toward equity in the company.
• Fund investment: As a member of our team, you have an opportunity to invest in the firm’s proprietary fund, established in 2017 and typically reserved for partners and employees, which has built a strong track record over time.
• Remote/Office: This role requires full-time onsite collaboration at one of our offices.
• Vacation: If you work full-time, you get 25 vacation days plus 12 public holidays each year, which totals approximately 40 days off per year. If you need significantly more than that, you can arrange an unpaid leave with your manager and enjoy your sabbatical.
• Full-day catering: All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruits, and other treats in our offices save you hundreds of euros every month.
• Additional benefits include unlimited taxi to/from the office, mental health support, education & sports budget, cell phone plan in select countries, maternity leave, and more to boost your productivity.

Why to choose Bratislava over other locations

• Low living costs: Bratislava offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to most major European cities
• Low income tax: Slovakia offers only 25% personal income tax, compared to several other European countries
• Regional hub: Bratislava lies at the intersection of Austria (only 80km from Vienna), Czechia (130km from Brno), and Hungary (200km from Budapest).
• Safety: Bratislava is one of the safest capitals in Europe, providing peace of mind that is harder to find in larger cities with higher crime rates.
• High quality of life: Bratislava offers a balanced lifestyle with access to nature, public amenities, and shorter commutes.
• Booming economy and opportunities: Bratislava is a growing economic hub with focus on technology, finance, and innovation.

Don’t hesitate and apply today!

Working at Wincent

At Wincent, we foster a culture of transparency, ownership, and autonomy, where every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact. We prioritize clear objectives and give you the freedom to innovate and grow within a supportive, high-performing environment.

We value exceptional TOP 1% talent over a perfect match to a job description. If our vision and values resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to reach out—let’s explore how you can be part of shaping the future of cryptocurrency trading with us!