Quantitative Research Intern, Summer 2026

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models. 

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore. 

What you’ll do as a Quantitative Research Intern at Akuna:

Akuna’s Quant team is looking to add Quant Research Interns to a team of mathematicians, statisticians and technologists for our 10-week Akunacademy internship program in our Chicago office. This team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets.

We are looking for talented researchers who can apply and develop machine learning algorithms to contribute to Akuna’s strategy portfolio. In this role you will:

• Develop trading strategies using statistical and machine learning algorithms.
• Design and implement optimization algorithms for portfolio construction.
• Develop quantitative models describing market behavior.
• Advance existing initiatives and explore opportunities for new research topics.

Qualities that make great candidates:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s, masters or PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics (or a related subject)
• Expertise in statistics and machine learning
• Experience building mathematical models for complex real-world problems
• Intermediate programming skills in Python 
• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role
• Financial experience is not a requirement
• Must graduate by August 2027
• GPA of 3.5 or above
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using CPT, OPT or STEM

**Resumes must be submitted in PDF format. 

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note: By submitting an application for this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest. 

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized base salary starts at $130,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.