About the role
BlockTech is hiring a Senior Quantitative Researcher to join its high-frequency options trading floor in Amsterdam.
Crypto is a market where a researcher can move the edge: abundant data, novel microstructure, and the shortest possible loop from idea to live PnL.
In this role, you'll own a research agenda and be trusted to set its direction.
About BlockTech
BlockTech is an algorithmic trading firm headquartered in Amsterdam, with a second office in Singapore. We specialize in market making and trade cryptocurrency derivatives and spot markets globally, using our own capital. We're growing fast and expanding into new markets.
High-frequency options trading is where we're strongest. On our floor, research, engineering, and trading happen a few meters apart. You'll work shoulder to shoulder with fellow researchers, traders, and analysts, and shape how we price and trade.
What will you do?
You will own a research agenda end to end: hypothesis, dataset construction, feature engineering, model training, backtesting, live deployment, and iteration. As a senior researcher, you'll also raise the bar for research across the floor, mentoring less experienced researchers and shaping the tools and standards the team relies on.
You will:
- Own the models. Take price-prediction, signal, execution, and anomaly-detection models across crypto derivatives and spot markets from idea to live PnL.
- Shape the infrastructure. Build our research, backtesting, and trading infrastructure together with engineers, so good ideas reach production quickly and safely.
- Run what you ship. Monitor live performance, diagnose decay, and iterate on your models in production.
- Set research direction. Decide alongside traders which trades are worth making, and why.
- Raise the bar. Mentor colleagues, review work, and set the standard for rigor.
What we're looking for
You'll need:
- 4+ years of hands-on quantitative research or applied ML experience, with a track record of models you've taken into live production trading.
- A strong academic foundation in a quantitative discipline (mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, ML/AI, or similar).
- Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack: PyTorch and/or TensorFlow, scikit-learn, NumPy, and pandas.
- A deep, intuitive grasp of overfitting, generalization, validation design, and feature engineering. You can explain why and how a model works, not just that it does.
- The judgment to prioritize research bets independently, and the communication skills to align researchers, engineers, and traders.
- Strong software engineering instincts. You write production-grade code that others can read, test, and run.
- Clear written and spoken English.
Bonus points for:
- A live-trading track record, ideally in crypto derivatives or a similar domain.
- Experience mentoring or leading other researchers.
- Familiarity with market microstructure and derivatives pricing.
Pay, location, and relocation
- Compensation: a competitive base salary plus a performance bonus based on individual and company results.
- Trading fund: outstanding performance is rewarded with the opportunity to buy into the trading fund.
- Location: On-site at our Amsterdam office
- Visa: BlockTech sponsors the Dutch highly skilled migrant visa.
- Relocation: All-in relocation package and Dutch classes for international hires. Eligible hires may qualify for the 30% tax ruling.
What else is in it for you
- Pension plan, company laptop, and home internet reimbursement
- An extensive in-house training program and an annual learning and development budget
- An environment that embraces AI, both to speed up your work and to advance our systems
- Gym reimbursement and sports during working hours: kickboxing, CrossFit, fitness, and soccer
- Weekly Friday drinks, monthly outings, quarterly sports competitions, and two trips abroad a year
- Daily breakfast and warm lunch, plus snacks and drinks all day
- A floor of strong peers and minimal bureaucracy between a good idea and production
How we work
We're a team of trading and tech enthusiasts with a flat hierarchy. Have an idea today, and it can ship tomorrow. The best idea wins, whoever it comes from.
This role comes with a high degree of autonomy. You'll own hard problems from concept to production and solve them your way. We promote reverse leadership, give everyone an equal playing field, and invest in personal and professional development.
Ready to take ownership of the edge?
Make your move and apply! You can expect to hear back from us within 5 working days.
Our culture
At our core, we are a team of passionate trading and tech enthusiasts committed to revolutionizing trading through automation. Our collaborative approach ensures that everyone contributes to achieving our ambitious goals.
In this role, you will be both challenged and stretched, with ample opportunities for growth and development, both within and beyond your main responsibilities.
We invest in our people by offering competitive compensation and benefits, fostering innovation, and celebrating success. Our commitment to personal development transcends traditional norms; we provide an equal playing field, promote reverse leadership, and offer boundless growth opportunities for all our employees.
Join us to unlock your potential and drive innovation in the exciting world of algorithmic trading.