Machine Learning Research Intern - Summer 2027 - Chicago

About the role

Our Machine Learning Internship is designed for curious, ambitious researchers who want to apply machine learning to complex, real-world problems. Over 10–12 weeks, you'll work alongside experienced researchers and mentors to develop models, analyze large-scale datasets, and contribute to research that informs IMC's trading strategies across global equities, futures, and options markets. You'll gain hands-on experience designing experiments, evaluating novel approaches, and tackling challenging problems in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your work can have real-world impact. Throughout the program, you'll deepen your understanding of quantitative trading through a combination of classroom and on desk training, while benefiting from professional development and networking opportunities. We offer a highly competitive compensation package, including travel and accommodation. High-performing interns may be considered for a full-time Graduate Researcher position upon graduation.

Your Core Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on research to design, develop, and apply original machine learning algorithms, with the support to explore and innovate.
• Analyze large-scale datasets, develop predictive models, and evaluate novel approaches to complex market problems
• Develop your research skills through hands-on project work, mentorship, and regular feedback from experienced researchers
• Enhance your understanding of quantitative trading through classroom-based instruction in options theory, market making, and related topics

Your Skills And Experience

• Pursuing a PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative field and graduating between September 2027 – July 2028
• Strong foundations in machine learning, probability, and statistics, with experience applying advanced ML techniques to solve challenging research or real-world problems
• Demonstrated hands-on research experience in deep learning fundamentals such as neural network architectures, sequence modeling, training dynamics, or optimization
• Proficiency in Python and modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Tensorflow, and/or JAX
• Demonstrated research excellence through publications, preprints, research internships, or significant research projects; publications at venues such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, or equivalent conferences are highly preferred
• Must be able to start internship in-person on June 7, 2027

Pay

Base Salary: $300,000

About Us

IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we've been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.