Quantitative Research – Commodities – Vice President

Location: LONDON, LONDON, United Kingdom

Job Family: Data Management

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are a leading global financial services firm with a strong presence in commodities trading, and we are seeking a talented Quantitative Research Vice President to join our front-office team in London. This role focuses on delivering cutting-edge modeling solutions to our Commodities business, with a particular emphasis on agricultural products such as grains, oilseeds, and livestock. As a key contributor, you will leverage your quantitative expertise to develop sophisticated models that support trading strategies, risk management, and product innovation in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Our Commodities group at JP Morgan Chase is renowned for its innovative approach, combining deep market insights with advanced analytics to drive client value and firm profitability. In this position, you will work closely with traders, structurers, and risk professionals to build and refine quantitative frameworks that capture the unique volatilities and correlations in agricultural commodities. Responsibilities include creating pricing models for derivatives, simulating supply chain disruptions influenced by climate and geopolitical factors, and integrating ESG considerations into trading algorithms. You will utilize state-of-the-art tools and data sources available through JP Morgan's robust infrastructure to conduct research that informs high-stakes decisions. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to sustainable finance initiatives, such as carbon-neutral agricultural trading products, aligning with our firm's commitment to responsible banking. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, high-pressure environment and brings a passion for quantitative finance applied to real-world commodities challenges. At JP Morgan Chase, you will benefit from exposure to global markets, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to unparalleled resources for professional growth. We value diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where innovative ideas flourish. If you are ready to advance your career in quantitative research within a premier financial institution, this Vice President role in our London office provides a platform to make a meaningful impact on the future of commodities trading.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced quantitative models for pricing and hedging agricultural commodities derivatives, including options, futures, and swaps
• Collaborate with trading desks and risk management teams to provide real-time modeling solutions that enhance trading strategies in the Commodities business
• Analyze market data and macroeconomic factors affecting agricultural products, such as weather patterns, crop yields, and global trade policies
• Conduct quantitative research to identify arbitrage opportunities and optimize portfolio risk in commodities trading books
• Build and maintain simulation tools using stochastic processes to forecast price volatilities and correlations in agricultural markets
• Support the integration of machine learning techniques for predictive analytics in commodity supply-demand modeling
• Liaise with technology teams to deploy models into production environments, ensuring robustness and compliance with JP Morgan's risk frameworks
• Contribute to the development of new trading products and strategies focused on sustainable agriculture and ESG-linked commodities
• Monitor and backtest model performance, providing insights to senior management on model enhancements
• Ensure all modeling activities adhere to internal governance standards and external regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Quantitative Finance, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quantitative research or modeling within the financial services industry, preferably in commodities trading
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or R for developing quantitative models
• Deep knowledge of agricultural commodities markets, including pricing dynamics, supply chain factors, and risk exposures
• Experience with stochastic modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and derivative pricing methodologies
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in commodities trading, such as those from ESMA or CFTC
• Ability to work in a fast-paced front-office environment at a major investment bank like JP Morgan Chase

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative discipline with a thesis focused on commodities or energy markets
• Prior experience at a bulge-bracket bank or hedge fund in commodities quantitative research
• Certification in Financial Risk Manager (FRM) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Hands-on experience with machine learning applications in commodity price forecasting
• Publication record in academic or industry journals on quantitative finance topics

Required Skills

• Expertise in stochastic calculus and partial differential equations for financial modeling
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and model prototyping
• Advanced knowledge of C++ for high-performance computing in trading systems
• Strong understanding of agricultural commodities fundamentals, including grains, livestock, and softs
• Experience with risk management tools like Value at Risk (VaR) and stress testing
• Analytical problem-solving skills for complex quantitative challenges
• Excellent communication skills to explain models to non-technical stakeholders
• Attention to detail in model validation and error detection
• Team collaboration in cross-functional environments
• Adaptability to evolving market conditions and regulatory landscapes
• Machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or scikit-learn
• Data visualization tools like Tableau or Matplotlib
• Project management for model deployment timelines
• Ethical judgment in handling sensitive financial data
• Time management to meet tight deadlines in a trading environment

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus structure aligned with JP Morgan's compensation philosophy
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and dependents
• Generous 401(k) matching program with immediate vesting to support long-term financial security
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policies
• Professional development opportunities through JP Morgan's internal training programs and tuition reimbursement
• Employee wellness programs featuring gym memberships, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements
• Global mobility options with relocation assistance for international roles
• Access to exclusive employee discounts on financial products and services from JP Morgan Chase

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.