Susquehanna International Group Quantitative Researcher interview questions & guide 2026

Our interview process is designed to test your core competency in quantitative reasoning. While questions are representative, expect a heavy emphasis on your ability to think aloud and explain your logical steps.

Probability & Statistics

This category is the cornerstone of our evaluation. We test your ability to apply probabilistic concepts to novel scenarios, often under time pressure.

• Calculate the probability of getting HTH before HHT when flipping a fair coin.
• Given a collection of coins with different biases, compute the probability that a specific coin is the biased one based on the outcome of several tosses.

Preparation for SIG is distinct because it prioritizes depth of understanding over breadth of knowledge. We are looking for candidates who can derive solutions from first principles rather than relying on memorized formulas.

Technical Competency – You must have a rock-solid foundation in probability, statistics, and linear algebra. Interviewers are less interested in your ability to name a theorem and more interested in your ability to apply it to a "Green Book" style puzzle. Practice explaining your derivation steps clearly while solving problems.

Algorithmic Proficiency – You will be expected to write performant Python code. Focus on data manipulation, efficiency, and writing clean, readable logic. Do not just solve the problem; consider edge cases and the complexity of your approach.

Problem Solving Under Pressure – Many of our rounds are time-constrained, both in the Online Assessment (OA) and in live technical interviews. The ability to remain calm, structure your thoughts, and communicate them to the interviewer is critical. If you get stuck, explain your thought process to the interviewer—we often provide hints to see how you adapt to new information.

Alignment with SIG – We value intellectual honesty. If you don't know an answer, admit it, but walk us through how you would go about finding the solution. We want to see how your brain works when faced with ambiguity.

The recruitment process at SIG is rigorous and standardized. It typically begins with an Online Assessment (OA) that serves as a high-pass filter. This assessment is designed to test your speed and accuracy in probability, logic, and combinatorics. Successful completion of the OA usually leads to a series of technical phone or video interviews.

These interviews are highly interactive. You should expect to solve math problems in real-time, often starting with a simple scenario and adding layers of complexity to test your deeper understanding. If you move forward, you will likely participate in a superday or a final-round series that includes additional technical interviews, a data-focused exercise, and behavioral rounds. We aim for a consistent, professional experience where you meet with multiple members of our research and trading teams.

The visual timeline shows the progression from initial screening to final assessment. It is important to treat each round as a distinct challenge. Candidates who succeed are those who treat the process as a marathon, maintaining high energy and focus from the initial assessment through to the final onsite interview.

Probability & Statistics

This is the most critical area of evaluation. We are not just looking for the right answer; we are looking for the right methodology.

Be ready to go over:

• Bayes' Theorem – Applying it to update probabilities in real-time.
• Combinatorics – Counting problems, permutations, and combinations.

As a Quantitative Researcher, your primary responsibility is to develop and refine the strategies that drive SIG's trading operations. You will be responsible for:

• Signal Research – Identifying and validating new sources of alpha by analyzing historical data and market microstructures.
• Backtesting – Building robust frameworks to simulate strategy performance while accounting for realistic market frictions, such as latency and transaction costs.
• Model Development – Designing statistical and machine-learning models to predict short-term price movements or estimate probability distributions.
• Collaboration – Partnering with software engineers to productionize your research and working with traders to ensure that models align with market realities.
• Ongoing Analysis – Monitoring the performance of deployed strategies and iterating on them as market conditions evolve.

We seek candidates with a strong quantitative background, typically from fields like Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Engineering.

• Must-have skills – Advanced proficiency in probability and statistics; strong Python programming skills for data analysis and research; ability to translate complex mathematical concepts into clear, logical code.
• Nice-to-have skills – Experience with time series analysis; familiarity with large-scale data processing libraries; prior exposure to financial markets or algorithmic trading; a PhD or Master's degree in a quantitative discipline.
• Soft skills – Exceptional communication skills, particularly the ability to explain complex technical work to non-experts; a high degree of intellectual humility; and a competitive yet collaborative spirit.

Q: How much time should I spend preparing for the math assessment? A: Dedicate significant time to practicing probability and combinatorics puzzles. Focus on "Green Book" style problems. Consistency—doing a few problems every day—is more effective than cramming.

Q: What is the culture like at SIG? A: SIG is known for its focus on games and logical reasoning. We value people who are naturally curious and enjoy solving puzzles. It is a meritocratic environment where the quality of your ideas and your ability to execute them matter most.

Q: Is a finance background required? A: No. We hire many researchers from scientific and academic backgrounds. We provide the necessary financial training; we are primarily interested in your raw quantitative talent and problem-solving ability.

Q: What is the typical timeline for the process? A: The process can take several weeks, especially when including take-home data exercises and multiple final-round interviews. We aim to move quickly for candidates who demonstrate strong performance.

• Think Aloud: When solving math problems, do not solve them in silence. Your interviewer needs to hear your logic to provide guidance or evaluate your thought process.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: In both math and coding problems, never hesitate to ask for clarification on assumptions or constraints. This is expected and shows a methodical approach.
• Master the Basics: Do not overlook basic probability theory. Many candidates fail because they overcomplicate simple problems. Ensure your foundation is rock-solid.
• Leverage Resources: For specific practice problems and deeper insights into our interview patterns, you can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford.

The Quantitative Researcher role at Susquehanna International Group is an exceptional opportunity to apply high-level mathematics and data science to the world’s most competitive financial markets. Success in our process requires a disciplined approach to probability, a sharp mind for algorithmic logic, and a commitment to rigorous research methodology.

We encourage you to approach your preparation with intensity and focus. By mastering the core evaluation areas—statistics, machine learning, time series analysis, and coding—you can significantly improve your performance. Candidates can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. We look forward to seeing how you apply your skills to the challenges we face at SIG.

The compensation data shown reflects competitive standards for quantitative research roles. It typically includes base salary, performance-based bonuses, and other benefits, with variations based on your experience level, educational background, and location. Candidates should view this as a baseline and focus their energy on demonstrating the high-level impact they can deliver to the firm.