Machine Learning Research Lead

About the role

The Machine Learning Research Lead position at IMC Trading is dedicated to driving the development of a centralized machine learning environment to enhance trading performance across various asset classes. This role involves leading the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models, researching and testing new algorithmic ideas, collaborating with quantitative traders, researchers, and developers, overseeing data acquisition and preprocessing, mentoring junior researchers, and driving strategic decisions on model architecture, experimentation pipelines, and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models to enhance trading performance across various asset classes
• Research, test and prototype new algorithmic ideas; deploy advanced ML techniques applicable to market prediction, signal generation, and portfolio optimization
• Collaborate with quantitative traders, researchers and developers to translate market insights into data-driven features and models
• Oversee data acquisition, preprocessing, and feature engineering for structured and unstructured data sources
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a culture of research excellence and experimentation
• Drive strategic decisions on model architecture, experimentation pipelines, and infrastructure for scalable research

Requirements

• PhD or Master’s in Engineering, Math, Statistics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field
• 4+ years of experience building applied ML models; previous experience in trading environment preferred
• Proven expertise in developing and deploying predictive models in low-latency environments
• Strong programming skills in Python; proficiency in ML libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and/or high-performance libraries like Jax
• Strong understanding of theoretical foundations of state-of-the-art ML models

Qualifications

• Prior people management experience preferred
• Ability and desire to work in a collaborative team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Skills and Experience

• PhD or Master’s in Engineering, Math, Statistics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field
• 4+ years of experience building applied ML models; previous experience in trading environment preferred
• Proven expertise in developing and deploying predictive models in low-latency environments
• Strong programming skills in Python; proficiency in ML libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and/or high-performance libraries like Jax
• Strong understanding of theoretical foundations of state-of-the-art ML models
• Prior people management experience preferred

Benefits

The base salary range for the role is $250,000 - $300,000 USD. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.

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.