Job Description: Quantitative Strategy Testing Intern

Blockhouse's success stems from our groundbreaking approach to quantitative finance, blending sophisticated mathematical models with robust financial strategies to redefine market dynamics. We are seeking a Quantitative Strategy Testing Intern to rigorously evaluate the profitability and robustness of investment strategies under various market scenarios.

Key Responsibilities:

Backtesting and Scenario Analysis

• Assess the performance of investment strategies by simulating their outcomes using historical and alternative market scenarios.

• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of strategies within the context of stochastic market processes, ensuring robust analysis beyond historical data.

Overfitting Risk Assessment

• Analyze meta-information about strategy development, including the number of trials and iterations, to assess the likelihood of backtest overfitting.

• Identify and report on potential vulnerabilities in strategy design based on empirical testing results.

Empirical and Experimental Techniques

• Apply advanced empirical methods to test the validity of strategies across diverse market conditions.

• Develop experimental frameworks to stress-test strategies against unforeseen market dynamics.

Simulation and Generative Modeling

• Build and enhance market simulators to test strategy performance under synthetic data conditions.

• Utilize generative models, such as GANs and other advanced techniques, to create realistic synthetic data for robust strategy evaluation.

Reporting and Communication

• Summarize backtesting results in a clear, actionable format for management review.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of testing results, ensuring they are not shared with other teams.

Tool Development and Automation

• Build and enhance tools to streamline the backtesting process, including automation and scalability improvements.

• Collaborate with quantitative researchers to integrate tools into the broader research and development pipeline.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Educational Background

• Currently pursuing or having completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Financial Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, or related quantitative fields.

• Bachelor’s students with a strong willingness to learn and work hard are encouraged to apply.

Technical Expertise

• Proficient in Python, with experience in libraries for data analysis and simulation (e.g., NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn).

• Familiarity with backtesting frameworks and tools such as PyAlgoTrade, Backtrader, or similar platforms.

• Strong understanding of statistical analysis techniques, stochastic processes, and building simulation environments.

• Experience with generative models, including GANs, for creating synthetic data to evaluate strategies.

Domain Knowledge

• Strong understanding of financial markets and investment strategies.

• Familiarity with concepts like transaction cost analysis and market impact is a plus.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to critically evaluate strategy performance and identify areas of improvement.

• Rigorous attention to detail and a structured approach to experimentation.

Communication Skills

• Capable of presenting complex backtesting results in an accessible format to non-technical stakeholders.

Why You Should Join Us:

Innovative Environment

• Be part of a team pushing the boundaries of quantitative finance through rigorous strategy testing and empirical research.

Expert Team

• Collaborate with leading professionals in quantitative finance and algorithmic strategy development.

Professional Growth

• Gain hands-on experience in backtesting, empirical analysis, simulation building, and advanced strategy evaluation.

Compensation

• Equity-only compensation that reflects the value of your contributions.

Work Hours

• A part-time role with 20-30 hours per week, offering flexibility and immediate start dates.

For International Students:

At Blockhouse, we value talent from across the globe and support international students through e-verification, CPT/OPT documentation, and flexible international payment arrangements.

If you’re passionate about applying rigorous empirical techniques, building advanced simulators, and utilizing generative models to test and refine investment strategies, join us at Blockhouse and shape the future of finance.