Global Alpha
Researcher Program
Unleashing the power of global collaboration to pioneer the future of quantitative finance.
What is a GAR?
Global Alpha Researchers (GARs) are at our forefront of financial innovation. As an independent contractor with our research and development tools, you’ll leverage a diverse array of data to design Alphas. Your goal is to create powerful signals that are designed to perform in any market. Your access to cutting-edge simulation tools will help you test and refine your ideas with a goal of creating profitable strategies and seeing them traded in real-time in global markets.
Global Opportunity
Our program is truly global in nature, embracing the belief that the best ideas can come from anywhere and that anyone has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the financial world. Our team of Global Alpha Researchers (GARs) represent a diverse and global community, with members hailing from countries including India, China, the United States, and beyond.
Self Made Work Environment
As a GAR, your dedication and contributions are central to our success. That's why we offer a wide range of opportunities for you to be rewarded for your efforts. You can do everything from creating helper functions, designing alphas, developing your own strategies, and participating in competitions. Our goal is to create a level playing field that promotes collaboration and rewards excellence, ensuring that all members of our team are fairly compensated for their efforts. No matter what your role on the team, we are committed to recognizing and rewarding your hard work and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the GAR program?
Trexquant’s Global Alpha Researcher (GAR) program is a part-time, independent contractor, research role where you can work as a quantitative researcher to create systematic trading algorithms (also called alphas). Our GARs are typically university students who want to learn about quantitative investing and are interested in pursuing it as a career. Many full time researchers at Trexquant started as GARs.
Can anyone apply to the GAR program?
Yes! If you have completed or are currently doing an undergraduate degree in a STEM field, can spare ~20 hrs per week, and are comfortable with programming in Python, we encourage you to apply for the program.
How long is the program?
How long you want to be part of the program is up to you. Most GARs work with us until they join as full time researchers or move on to other opportunities.
What is the hiring process?
You can apply for the Global Alpha Researcher program through our website or through your university’s job portal if a role has been posted there. The hiring process usually is a resume screen followed by a first round interview. Successful candidates are provided a take home programming assignment, which is followed by one or more rounds of interviews with current researchers at Trexquant.
What would I learn by joining the program?
The GAR program is a great way to learn about working in the quantitative hedge fund industry, including:
- Coming up with ideas for generating alpha
- Implementing and testing these ideas to make alphas
- Setting up a research pipeline to identify robust alphas
- Finding and testing datasets that can be used to develop unique alphas
- Creating trading strategies that survive transaction costs and market impact
It will also let you understand if working in quantitative finance suits you as a potential career option.
How much time do I need to commit to it?
Productivity levels vary significantly between individuals and their previous experience with quantitative research, but you can expect to commit approximately 20 hours per week to the program.
What kind of training do I receive?
We have a structured training program for new GARs with assignments and tutorials during the first month to familiarize them with our research environment and processes. You will also receive continuous feedback on your research from senior researchers at Trexquant and from other GARs.
Is there a mentor who would guide my progress?
Yes, we provide personalized mentorship to every GAR. You will receive feedback on every alpha and strategy you make from our researchers. We will also guide you to research specific topics we think are promising and help you out if you are struggling. You are, however, expected to come up with your own ideas to make alphas.
What are GAR's responsibilities?
GARs are expected to:
- Come up with new ideas and implement them in code as alphas
- Create trading strategies once they have submitted enough alphas to production
- Look for novel data sources which can be useful in making trading algorithms
- Present their research in regular meetings to foster collaboration and sharing of ideas
How are GARs compensated?
GARs are compensated in three ways:
- Each active GAR is paid a monthly stipend
- GARs can earn a percentage of the profits made by their strategies
- We award weekly prizes for exemplary research and novel contributions
Can I receive a full time offer or a summer internship if I do well?
Yes! Successful GARs often join us as full time researchers or summer interns. Please let us know at the time of your joining if you are interested in such opportunities.
Can I trade my own strategies?
Yes! It is expected that we will be trading your strategies within a few months of starting as a GAR.