A fast-growing digital asset investment firm is seeking a Quantitative Research Associate to support the development of systematic strategies focused on crypto markets and decentralized finance. The team brings together expertise across quantitative research, engineering, and data science, with a strong emphasis on transparent, risk-aware return generation.

Role Overview
You will join a research-focused team developing systematic trading and allocation strategies across crypto and DeFi markets. Working closely with senior researchers and leadership, you will contribute to areas such as liquidity provision, market-neutral strategies, portfolio construction, and market structure analysis, while also supporting the development of research tools and exploring reinforcement learning applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct data-driven research across crypto and DeFi markets to identify trading opportunities

• Develop, test, and refine systematic strategies, including market-neutral approaches

• Build and enhance backtesting tools and research infrastructure

• Explore applications of machine learning techniques, including reinforcement learning, in trading contexts

• Analyze market behaviour and microstructure to inform strategy design

• Work closely with a distributed team on research initiatives and live strategy improvements

Requirements

• PhD in a quantitative discipline (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Financial Engineering) with 1–2 years of relevant industry experience

• Must have commercial experience with Machine Learning and/or Deep Learning 

• Strong foundation in statistics and mathematical modelling, with exposure to reinforcement learning concepts

• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with ML libraries such as PyTorch or scikit-learn

• Experience in quantitative research or strategy development environments

• Ability to work independently in a remote, research-focused setup

• Hands-on RL experience would be a strong plus.

• Strong communication skills in English

Additional Information

• Fully remote role supporting a Dubai-based organization

• Candidates will be engaged on an independent basis and responsible for their own taxation and benefits arrangements