Head of Quantitative Research | Systematic Hedge Fund | London

A leading systematic hedge fund is seeking an exceptional Head of Quantitative Research to lead and grow their alpha research function. This is one of the most senior and impactful research roles in systematic finance — the individual will define the research agenda, lead a team of quant researchers, and drive the next generation of alpha strategies.

About the Role:

You will be responsible for setting the research strategy across all systematic equity, macro, and multi-asset strategies. Working directly with the CIO and senior portfolio managers, you will ensure the research function is at the frontier of systematic investment management — technically rigorous, commercially disciplined, and consistently productive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the fund's quantitative research agenda across all strategy verticals

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of quantitative researchers at all levels

• Collaborate with portfolio managers on signal integration, portfolio construction, and strategy evolution

• Maintain the highest standards of research methodology, backtesting rigour, and out-of-sample validation

• Build a culture of intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and performance accountability

• Stay at the frontier of academic research in machine learning, statistics, and quantitative finance

• Work with the CTO and engineering leadership on research infrastructure priorities

• Represent the research function in investment committee and external contexts

Required Experience & Qualifications:

• PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field

• 10+ years of quantitative research experience within systematic hedge funds or prop trading firms

• Proven track record developing alpha-generating signals and strategies in live production

• Experience leading research teams of 5+ and setting research strategy at a senior level

• Deep expertise across multiple systematic strategy types (equity, macro, multi-asset)

• Strong programming skills in Python; familiarity with C++ or other high-performance languages

• Exceptional intellectual rigour and an evidence-based approach to research evaluation

What We Offer:

• Highly attractive compensation including significant PnL participation

• Seat at the senior leadership table with real influence over the firm's direction

• World-class research team, data infrastructure, and technology stack

• Opportunity to build and shape a research function at a pivotal growth stage