Senior Quantitative Researcher | Mid-frequency | Crypto Options

BlockTech is hiring a Senior Quantitative Researcher to build out mid-frequency research on our Amsterdam trading floor. High-frequency options trading is where we’re strongest, and we’re now successfully widening our scope to mid-frequency strategies. In this role, you’ll own the research agenda, from first hypothesis to live deployment.

About BlockTech

BlockTech is an algorithmic trading firm headquartered in Amsterdam, with a second office in Singapore. We specialize in market making and trade cryptocurrency derivatives and spot markets globally, using our own capital. We're growing fast and expanding into new markets.

Crypto is a market where a researcher can move the edge. The data is abundant, the microstructure is novel, and the loop between an idea and live PnL is as short as it gets. You'll sit shoulder to shoulder with fellow researchers, traders, and analysts.

What will you do?

You will be in charge of developing mid-frequency strategies, owning the research agenda end to end: from hypothesis and dataset construction, through model training and backtesting, to live deployment. As a senior researcher, you'll also raise the bar for research across the floor.

You will:

• Own the models. Take price-prediction, signal, execution, and anomaly-detection models across crypto derivatives and spot markets from idea to live PnL.

• Shape the infrastructure. Build our research, backtesting, and trading infrastructure together with engineers, so good ideas reach production quickly and safely.

• Run what you ship. Monitor live performance, diagnose decay, and iterate on your models in production.

• Set research direction. Decide alongside traders which trades are worth making, and why.

• Raise the bar. Mentor colleagues, review work, and set the standard for rigor.

What we're looking for

You'll need:

• 3+ years of quantitative research experience at a hedge fund, trading firm, or similar, owning successful mid-frequency strategies.

• A strong academic foundation in a quantitative discipline (mathematics, physics, statistics, or computer science).

• Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack: PyTorch and/or TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, and pandas.

• A deep grasp of overfitting, validation design, and feature engineering. You can explain why a model works, not just that it does.

• Software engineering instincts. You write production-grade code that others can read, test, and run.

• The judgment to prioritize your own research bets, and clear communication with traders and engineers.

Bonus points for:

• A mid-frequency track record in crypto derivatives markets.

• Experience mentoring or leading other researchers.

Pay, location, and relocation

• Compensation: a competitive base salary plus a performance bonus based on individual and company results.

• Trading fund: outstanding performance is rewarded with the opportunity to buy into the trading fund.

• Location: On-site at our Amsterdam office

• Visa: BlockTech sponsors the Dutch highly skilled migrant visa.

• Relocation: All-in relocation package and Dutch classes for international hires. Eligible hires may qualify for the 30% tax ruling.

What else is in it for you

• Pension plan, company laptop, and home internet reimbursement

• An extensive in-house training program and an annual learning and development budget

• An environment that embraces AI, both to speed up your work and to advance our systems

• Gym reimbursement and sports during working hours: kickboxing, CrossFit, fitness, and soccer

• Weekly Friday drinks, monthly outings, quarterly sports competitions, and two trips abroad a year

• Daily breakfast and warm lunch, plus snacks and drinks all day

How we work

We're a team of trading and tech enthusiasts with a flat hierarchy. Have an idea today, and it can ship tomorrow. The best idea wins, whoever it comes from.

This role comes with a high degree of autonomy. You'll own hard problems from concept to production and solve them your way. We promote reverse leadership, give everyone an equal playing field, and invest in personal and professional development.

Ready to expand our mid-frequency edge?

Make your move and apply! You can expect to hear back from us within 5 working days.

Our culture

At our core, we are a team of passionate trading and tech enthusiasts committed to revolutionizing trading through automation. Our collaborative approach ensures that everyone contributes to achieving our ambitious goals.

In this role, you will be both challenged and stretched, with ample opportunities for growth and development, both within and beyond your main responsibilities.

We invest in our people by offering competitive compensation and benefits, fostering innovation, and celebrating success. Our commitment to personal development transcends traditional norms; we provide an equal playing field, promote reverse leadership, and offer boundless growth opportunities for all our employees.

Join us to unlock your potential and drive innovation in the exciting world of algorithmic trading.