IMC
Principal Research Scientist - Machine Learning

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IMC: Principal Research Scientist – Machine Learning
IMC is one of the world’s leading trading firms, combining quantitative research, technology, and trading expertise to solve complex problems at scale.
As Machine Learning becomes increasingly critical within our Systematic Equities business, we are investing in frontier research to shape the next generation of models, infrastructure, and research capabilities. With access to world-class datasets, significant compute resources, and a collaborative environment, IMC offers a unique opportunity to bridge cutting-edge research with real-world impact.
The Role
We are seeking a Principal Research Scientist to help define and accelerate our long-term machine learning research agenda. Prior finance experience is not required.
This position is ideal for an established academic researcher or research scientist who wants to remain at the frontier of machine learning while applying their expertise in a high-impact trading environment. You will:
- Collaborate with quantitative researchers, engineers, and leadership to explore new research directions, evaluate emerging ML developments, and translate academic innovations into scalable applications.
- Lead as a scientific mentor and advisor, guiding research efforts and infusing rigorous ML expertise into the organization.
- Represent IMC externally at top-tier conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR) and engage with the broader ML community.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and shape the long-term machine learning research agenda for Systematic Equities.
- Identify and translate frontier advances in ML into practical opportunities and proof-of-concept solutions.
- Conduct original research and experiment with novel ML approaches, evaluating their potential in trading strategies.
- Advise and mentor quantitative researchers, helping them refine methodologies, experimentation tactics, and research focus.
- Influence future investments in research tools, infrastructure, and compute capacity to support scalable innovation.
- Represent IMC externally by sharing research findings at leading machine learning conferences.
- Contribute to published work where permissible and aligned with intellectual property policies.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Required Skills & Experience
- PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative discipline.
- Strength publication record in top research venues, with academic credentials comparable to an Assistant/Associate Professor or equivalent.
- Current/faculty-equivalent academic experience, including roles such as:
- Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor
- Group Leader/Principal Investigator
- Senior Postdoctoral Researcher/Senior Research Scientist
- Expertise in modern ML, with a deep understanding of emerging trends and breakthroughs.
- Proven track record of influencing research direction, mentoring researchers, or leading collaborative research initiatives.
- Strong programming skills, with hands-on experience using key ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX).
- Exceptional interpersonal ability, with a track record of cross-disciplinary collaboration.


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What We Offer
- A frontend seat at next-generation ML research, directly influences industry impact within one of the world’s leading trading firms.
- Access to proprietary datasets, sophisticated infrastructure, and large-scale compute resources.
- Direct engagement with the academic community through conferences, collaborations, and publication opportunities.
- A collaborative culture where research transitions quickly from concept to execution.
- Competitive compensation, reflecting scientific achievement and commercial value delivered.
- A stimulating environment fueled by innovation, intellectual curiosity, and commitments to giving back.
About Us
Since 1989, IMC has been a stabilizing force in global financial markets, delivering liquidity that supports market stability. Operating in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, we unite quant researchers, engineers, traders, and HFX professionals under a distinctive mission:
- Harnessing emotional intelligence in disruptive fintech, expanding into new exchange tiers, and refining innovative research environments.
- Evolving in markets, technology, and strategy—always with ambition, curiosity, and collaboration at the core.
IMC challenges entrenched assumptions to foster cross-functional expertise, long-term partnerships, and lasting trust. Here, ambition meets rigor—and impact follows.
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