Quant Focus
Quant Focus
QuantFocus is Optiver's 2-3 day program for PhD students in mathematics, physics, computer science, and other quantitative disciplines. It’s designed to show how the rigour you've developed in academia applies to the kinds of problems our researchers work on every day.
Learn by solving
Built for problem-solvers
This isn’t a lecture series. It’s a practical program built around real challenges: modelling, data analysis, and mathematical problem-solving in an environment where ideas are tested quickly and results are measured directly. The format varies by region, but the intent stays the same: to give you direct exposure to Optiver’s research environment and how quantitative thinking shapes decisions in global financial markets. For those who perform strongly, the program can lead to future opportunities at Optiver.
Through QuantFocus, you get exposure to a research environment built around experimentation, fast iteration and close collaboration across research, trading and engineering. This isn’t research that sits in isolation, it’s quantitative thinking applied directly to real decisions, in real time.
Scientific approach
MethodologyForm a hypothesis, build, test, and iterate. The scientific rigour developed during a PhD is applied directly to financial markets. Work is validated through model and code review so results are robust and production-ready.
Thriving research environment
CollaborationOur teams are filled with sharp thinkers from mathematics, physics and engineering backgrounds. Expect ideas to be challenged, refined, and improved through constant collaboration.
Fast iteration
Learn & optimizeIdeas are tested, evaluated and refined rapidly using robust infrastructure, production-grade tooling and live market feedback. We preserve academic standards (ingenuity, reproducibility, rigour) while focusing on real-world impact.
Real-world complexity
ImpactWork with rich, proprietary datasets in dynamic market conditions. Problems require a mix of mathematics, programming, and machine learning, and solutions have immediate impact.
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