Quantitative Trading Analyst

TLDR

Architect and upgrade risk management systems that ensure protocol solvency while bridging Traditional Finance derivatives and DeFi market structures.

Quantitative Trading Analyst (Risk Architecture)

Location: Porto

Hybrid | Full-time

Compensation: $150K - $175K

Our client is a high-growth financial technology firm on a mission to democratize access to global markets. By leveraging blockchain technology, the organization is replacing traditional, opaque brokerage models with a transparent, permissionless trading stack. This infrastructure allows users with digital wallets to trade stocks, commodities, currencies, and digital assets with full transparency and verifiable, auditable code. Having secured over $27.9M in funding from premier venture capital firms—including General Catalyst, Jump, LocalGlobe, and Susquehanna (SIG)—the company is positioned at the forefront of the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) movement.

The organization is seeking a Quantitative Trading Analyst to architect and upgrade the risk management engine securing the protocol. This role serves as the critical bridge between Traditional Finance (TradFi) derivatives and DeFi market structures. The mandate involves rigorously quantifying protocol risk and designing systems that facilitate high-leverage trading of real-world assets while mathematically ensuring protocol solvency.

Key Responsibilities

  • Risk Engine Architecture: Architect and backtest core protocol parameters, including maintenance margins, liquidation thresholds, and insurance fund models for diverse asset classes.
  • Mechanism Design: Optimize mathematical models for funding rates, open interest caps, and Automated Market Maker (AMM) logic to minimize toxic arbitrage and maintain market balance.
  • Stress Testing: Build stochastic simulations to test protocol solvency against extreme price volatility and "black swan" events.
  • System Optimization: Analyze post-trade data to detect inefficiencies in oracle or margining systems and engineer quantitative solutions to resolve them.
  • TradFi-to-DeFi Integration: Adapt traditional derivative pricing models, such as Value at Risk (VaR) and the Greeks, into gas-efficient logic suitable for on-chain execution.

Requirements

  • Quantitative Fluency: An advanced background in Mathematics, Statistics, or Financial Engineering, paired with strong proficiency in Python (specifically pandas, NumPy, and SciPy).
  • Dual-Domain Expertise: A deep understanding of both Traditional Finance derivatives (Futures pricing, options theory) and DeFi primitives (AMMs, Perpetual DEXs).
  • Risk Systems Experience: A proven track record of building or auditing risk engines, margin models, or liquidation systems within High-Frequency Trading (HFT) or DeFi environments.
  • Market Microstructure Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the economics between liquidity providers and takers, including the relationship between inventory risk, spreads, volatility, and credit.
  • Data Proficiency: Professional experience using SQL for complex data querying and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Real-World Asset (RWA) markets, such as Commodities and FX, and their specific volatility characteristics.
  • Familiarity with smart contract constraints (Solidity/EVM) to ensure mathematical models are implementable on-chain.
  • Experience engaging with on-chain oracles (e.g., Chainlink, Pyth) and understanding the associated latency risks.

Benefits

  • Competitive Compensation: A highly attractive salary and benefits package.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: The opportunity to work at the absolute frontier of blockchain and financial engineering.
  • High-Calibre Team: A collaborative environment alongside recognized leaders in the crypto and quantitative finance space.
  • Flexibility: Flexible work arrangements designed to support high performance.
  • Professional Growth: Significant opportunities for career development within a rapidly scaling organization.

Due to the high volume of applications we anticipate, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. We genuinely appreciate your interest and wish you the best in your job search.

Commitment to Equality and Accessibility:

At MLabs, we are committed to offer equal opportunities to all candidates. We ensure no discrimination, accessible job adverts, and providing information in accessible formats. Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all. If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the hiring process or you would like to see the job-advert in an accessible format please let us know at the earliest opportunity by emailing [email protected].

MLabs Ltd collects and processes the personal information you provide such as your contact details, work history, resume, and other relevant data for recruitment purposes only. This information is managed securely in accordance with MLabs Ltd’s Privacy Policy and Information Security Policy, and in compliance with applicable data protection laws. Your data may be shared only with clients and trusted partners where necessary for recruitment purposes. You may request the deletion of your data or withdraw your consent at any time by contacting [email protected].

MLabs builds enterprise blockchain solutions focused on simplifying multi-chain DeFi for traditional financial institutions and fintechs through a unified API. They bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, enabling seamless cross-border payments and facilitating access to on-chain liquidity in a regulated environment.

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Salary
$150,000 – $175,000 per year
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