Quantitative Researcher (Boston)

Quantitative Researcher (TCA / Execution Modelling) – Global Equities

Role Overview

We are seeking a Quantitative Researcher focused on execution modelling and transaction cost analysis (TCA) within a high-performance equities trading environment.

This role sits at the intersection of quant research, execution optimisation, and portfolio construction , with responsibility for building and enhancing models that directly impact trading performance across $1B+ in daily global equity notional .

The position is not an execution trading role, it is a research-driven position requiring strong alpha-oriented thinking applied to execution and market microstructure .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance transaction cost models (TCA) and execution forecasting frameworks used in portfolio optimisation
• Analyse and model market impact, slippage, liquidity, and execution risk across global equity markets
• Partner closely with trading and portfolio teams to monitor and improve execution quality
• Apply market microstructure expertise to identify inefficiencies and drive execution alpha
• Contribute to alpha research initiatives , particularly where execution signals or microstructure insights can provide edge
• Work with large-scale trading datasets to build robust, data-driven models for cost prediction and optimisation
• Continuously refine processes to improve scalability, accuracy, and performance of execution analytics

Candidate Profile

• 1–6 years of experience as a Quantitative Researcher in a buy-side environment (preferred)
• Strong candidates from asset managers / long-only firms with relevant experience also considered
• Exceptional candidates from sell-side trading desks will be considered
• Strong academic background in a quantitative discipline (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering)

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of equity market microstructure (order books, liquidity, impact, execution strategies)
• Experience building or working with transaction cost models / execution analytics
• Demonstrated research experience (alpha or signal development) — not purely execution/trading
• Proficiency in Python and/or other quantitative programming languages
• Experience working with large, high-frequency datasets
• Strong statistical and modelling skills

Nice to Have

• Experience integrating execution models into portfolio optimisation frameworks
• Exposure to systematic trading or quant equity strategies

Key Differentiator

This is a research-first role , not an execution seat. The focus is on modelling, alpha-adjacent research, and improving trading outcomes through data and microstructure insight , rather than trade execution itself.