Trading Internship – PhD [INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE with Visa Sponsorship]

Trading Internship AVAILABLE with Visa Sponsorship

Landing a position as a Quantitative Systematic Trading Intern at Susquehanna is more than just a golden opportunity – it’s a front-row seat to the inner workings of one of the world’s most respected trading firms. From day one, this internship places you in the thick of real-time financial strategy, where math meets markets and algorithms drive action. In today’s competitive job market, internships often serve as stepping stones.

But at Susquehanna, the experience feels more like a leap forward. It’s a rare chance to apply your academic training in a high-stakes environment that respects intellect, values curiosity and rewards problem-solving. This internship doesn’t just simulate real work; it is real work – with real impact, guided by mentors who are experts in their fields.

The role is uniquely tailored for PhD candidates immersed in the world of numbers – fields like mathematics, computer science, physics, statistics and engineering. But academic excellence alone doesn’t make the cut. Susquehanna looks for something deeper: the capacity to think strategically, communicate clearly and adapt quickly. It’s one thing to solve a theoretical problem in a research paper; it’s another to tackle a dynamic trading scenario where markets shift in seconds.

This program bridges that gap, giving interns the confidence and tools to evolve from academic thinkers to pragmatic quants. Every day on the job involves tackling layered problems that combine probability, logic and real-time decision-making – all under the guidance of experienced traders and researchers.

Over the course of ten rigorous, high-energy weeks, interns dive into a landscape where coding, modeling and market intuition intersect. This is not your typical “grab-coffee-and-watch” internship. From designing trading strategies to interpreting complex datasets, interns work on deliverables that mirror those of full-time employees. They’re not treated as students – they’re treated as contributors.

One day might involve building a statistical model using Python; the next, you could be in a whiteboard session exploring option theory or dissecting the logic behind a market-making algorithm. And alongside the technical training comes a constant focus on strategic thinking – sharpened by SIG’s signature love for competitive games like poker, which feature heavily in the learning process.

But it’s not all about the technical grind. SIG’s Sydney office creates a culture where collaboration and mentorship thrive. Interns are matched with mentors who guide them not only through projects but through the firm’s larger mission. These mentors offer valuable insights, help refine communication skills and challenge interns to think beyond the obvious. Plus, the work environment is intentionally non-hierarchical – meaning even as an intern, you have a seat at the table.

You’re encouraged to ask questions, suggest alternatives and contribute to meaningful discussions. That openness, combined with access to top-tier training sessions and regular feedback, creates a space where growth is inevitable.

What truly makes this internship stand out, though, is the long-term vision it represents. Many interns don’t just walk away with great experience – they walk into full-time roles. SIG invests heavily in talent development because they believe that their next great quant or trading lead might very well be someone starting as an intern.

By immersing interns in real-world challenges, offering visa sponsorship for international candidates and fostering a culture of constant improvement, SIG is building more than a team – they’re shaping the future of quantitative finance. For the right candidate, this internship is a launchpad. It’s not just about learning; it’s about transforming.

Job Type

Internship

Location

Sydney, New South Wales (NSW)

Employee Perks and Benefits

(Extracted directly from the comprehensive job details)

• Complimentary meals and snacks

• Structured learning and training opportunities

• Sponsorship for eligible visas

If you’re passionate about finance, mathematics and technology, the Quantitative Systematic Trading Internship at Susquehanna International Group (SIG) in Sydney offers an immersive, challenging and rewarding experience. This is far more than just a summer job – it’s a well-designed, professional internship that mirrors the day-to-day responsibilities of a full-time quantitative professional in the industry.

At SIG, interns don’t just shadow – they build, test and deploy ideas while receiving direct mentorship from some of the most respected minds in quantitative finance.

As an intern, you will be embedded into the core operations of SIG’s quantitative research and trading divisions. You will gain first-hand experience developing mathematical models, coding trading algorithms and solving complex financial puzzles that require creativity, logic and precision. Through a combination of rigorous training, project-based assignments and real-time collaboration with experienced team members, you’ll grow your ability to apply advanced theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world trading challenges.

This 10-week program is tailored for PhD students nearing the completion of their degree in quantitative disciplines. Whether you’re coming from physics, statistics, mathematics, engineering or a related field, if you enjoy analytical challenges and strategic problem-solving, this internship is designed for you.

Key Responsibilities and Core Learning Areas

During the 10-Week Internship, You Will:

• Apply Advanced Mathematical Concepts to Trading
  Throughout the internship, you’ll tackle projects that directly simulate the work performed by full-time quantitative researchers and traders. This includes modeling, statistical analysis, data mining and financial forecasting. Your primary tools will be probability theory, statistical analysis, machine learning techniques and algorithmic logic, applied with a strong dose of mathematical ingenuity.

• Collaborate with World-Class Experts
  You’ll work closely with professionals across SIG’s trading, research and technology departments. This collaborative atmosphere allows you to interact with people whose expertise ranges from high-performance computing to economic modeling. These interactions are not limited to passive mentorship – you’ll be expected to contribute your insights, defend your thinking and refine your models based on real-time feedback.

• Transform Quantitative Research into Live Trading Ideas
  Interns are often surprised at how quickly theoretical concepts are translated into market applications. One of your main goals will be to connect mathematical modeling with practical trading opportunities. You’ll explore market behaviors, test hypotheses using historical data and use custom tools to identify actionable strategies.

• Receive Deep-Dive Training in Financial Concepts
  The internship kicks off with a structured education program that introduces foundational trading principles. You’ll be guided through advanced topics such as derivatives pricing, stochastic modeling, options theory, risk metrics and statistical arbitrage. These training sessions are led by seasoned industry professionals and designed to empower you to understand and interact with SIG’s trading ecosystem.

• Engage in Game Theory and Strategy Building
  Beyond academic skills, SIG values candidates who thrive in competitive, strategy-based environments. If you enjoy chess, poker or similar games, you’ll find your logical skillset highly transferable. Interns participate in game-based learning sessions that build strategic thinking – a crucial skill for a career in quantitative finance.

• Shadow a Quantitative Researcher
  One of the highlights of the internship is the opportunity to step into the shoes of SIG’s quant researchers. By exploring real case studies – such as Robert’s day-to-day workflow (as highlighted on SIG’s blog) – you’ll understand how theoretical frameworks are implemented, debugged and evaluated for risk and profitability in live trading settings.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We’re Looking for PhD Candidates Who Are:

• Academic High Achievers in Quantitative Fields
  You should be currently enrolled in the penultimate year of your PhD program and studying a subject with a strong quantitative focus. Acceptable disciplines include, but are not limited to:

  • Mathematics

  • Statistics

  • Physics

  • Computer Science

  • Electrical or Systems Engineering

  • Economics

  • Operations Research

• Exceptional Analytical Problem-Solvers
  The heart of this role is problem-solving. We’re interested in people who can recognize patterns, build hypotheses, test ideas and revise models based on logic and data. You should be naturally curious and deeply analytical, with a track record of approaching challenges with originality and perseverance.

• Logically-Minded Thinkers
  Strong reasoning capabilities and logical consistency are core to our work. We need individuals who can not only solve problems but explain how and why they approached them in a certain way. Whether it’s optimizing a trading algorithm or debugging a statistical model, logical clarity is key.

• Clear and Effective Communicators
  Collaboration is essential at SIG. You’ll be working in cross-functional teams and are expected to articulate your ideas effectively – both verbally and in writing. Equally important is your ability to actively listen and digest input from others.

• Fluent in Programming and Data Analysis
  You must be comfortable handling large datasets and writing scripts to parse, clean and analyze them. Proficiency in Python is required. Familiarity with additional programming languages – especially C++ or other low-level, high-performance languages – is considered a valuable bonus.

• Engaged with Competitive Strategy
  An interest in games such as poker, strategy board games or other competitive environments demonstrates your natural inclination toward strategic thought processes. SIG values candidates who are not only brilliant on paper but also competitive and decisive in action.

• Able to Perform Under Pressure
  Trading can be fast-paced and high-stakes. Interns must demonstrate the ability to think clearly, adapt quickly and make informed decisions even when working under time constraints or uncertainty.

What SIG Offers Interns

A Professional Culture with Unmatched Opportunities

At SIG, we believe that interns should have access to the same quality of resources and mentorship as full-time staff. That’s why we’ve built an inclusive, open and educational environment where your voice matters and your contributions are valued from day one.

• Flat, Collaborative Culture
  SIG is known for its non-hierarchical organizational structure. No cubicles, no formal titles blocking access to knowledge. Whether you’re working with a new hire or a senior partner, you’ll find that open communication and knowledge sharing are built into our DNA.

• Mentorship by Industry Leaders
  During the program, you’ll have one-on-one access to top quantitative researchers and technologists. These mentors will guide you through your projects, answer your technical questions and challenge your thinking. The goal is not just to teach – but to help you think like a quant.

• Top-Notch Facilities and Resources
  From state-of-the-art workspaces to well-equipped team rooms and quiet zones, the environment is designed for focused innovation. You’ll also enjoy access to powerful computing resources and proprietary tools used in advanced modeling and simulation.

• A Fully Stocked Kitchen
  Daily breakfast and lunch are provided, along with snacks and beverages throughout the day. SIG understands that great minds need great fuel and our kitchen is always buzzing with healthy options and guilty pleasures alike.

• Fun, Social and Team-Building Events
  Work-life balance is important to us. You’ll participate in regular social events, sports tournaments and community outreach activities. These events are great ways to unwind, connect with your peers and become part of SIG’s vibrant community.

• Visa Sponsorship and Relocation Assistance
  International candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply. SIG offers visa sponsorship for eligible students as well as relocation assistance for those moving to Sydney for the duration of the internship.

• Career Pathway to Quantitative Research
  By applying to this internship, you’re also automatically considered for a full-time Quantitative Research role upon graduation. You don’t need to submit separate applications – your internship performance and overall fit will be evaluated for future opportunities.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

SIG strongly believes that diversity drives innovation. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. We are fully committed to creating an inclusive hiring process that reflects the diverse world we serve.

If you have specific needs or require accommodations during any part of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to arrange reasonable adjustments to ensure you can fully demonstrate your abilities.

Contact Email for Inquiries:

[email protected]

Important Note About Compensation and Recruiters

Susquehanna International Group does not publicly disclose internship compensation details. Therefore, any salary estimates you find online may be inaccurate and are not officially confirmed or endorsed by the company.

Additionally, SIG does not work with external recruiters or staffing agencies for this role. Any unsolicited resumes or referrals submitted without a signed recruitment agreement will become the property of SIG and no fees will be paid for such submissions.

Visa Sponsorship Availability

This internship opportunity includes visa sponsorship, making it an excellent pathway for international PhD students interested in relocating to Australia to gain real-world finance experience with a global leader in trading innovation.