Quantitative Finance Researcher
Handshake • Remote
Education
Bachelor
Type
Hourly
Pay Rate
$150/hr
Listed
141d ago
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From the Handshake listing
Overview
Handshake is looking for quantitative finance researchers and academics to support AI research through flexible, hourly contract work. This is not a traditional job. You'll draw on your deep expertise in mathematical finance, risk modeling, and quantitative methods to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI better understand quantitative finance research and methodology.
This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity you can take on alongside anything else you have going on.
Details
This project involves using your research expertise and academic knowledge to create expert-level training data and evaluate AI-generated responses for accuracy and relevance. No prior AI experience required.
Fully remote with a flexible, asynchronous schedule and no minimum hour requirement; most contributors work approximately 5–20 hours per week when participating in an active project.
Placement depends on current project needs, with opportunities to be considered for future projects as they become available.
Qualifications
Familiarity with arxiv.org, particularly the Quantitative Finance repository (q-fin)
PhD or Master in Quantitative Finance, Mathematical Finance, Financial Engineering
Research background or coursework in areas such as:
Computational Finance or Mathematical Finance
Portfolio Management or Risk Management
Statistical Finance or Trading and Market Microstructure
Strong written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and asynchronously with AI research teams.
Work authorization information
F-1 students who are eligible for CPT or OPT may be eligible for projects on Handshake AI. Work with your Designated School Official to determine your eligibility. If your school requires a CPT course, Handshake AI may not meet your school’s requirements. STEM OPT is not supported. See our Help Center article for more information on what types of work authorizations are supported on Handshake AI.
The application process
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Why this role
At $150/hr, this Quantitative Finance Researcher position compensates Finance expertise on its own terms, the kind of rate that would otherwise only show up inside a law firm, hospital, or research lab.
Talent pool
We're light on Finance candidates
We've matched 55 people with a Finance background against 1011 Finance listings we've tracked, so most go out without one. Set up a profile and we'll consider you for a role like this one.
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Common questions
Can I use Handshake if I graduated years ago?
Probably not a good fit. Handshake's AI Fellowship roles target current university students and early talent within about 1-2 years of graduation. Experienced professionals typically find faster approval and better rates on Outlier or Mercor.
Is Handshake itself the employer for AI training roles?
For the AI Fellowship roles specifically, yes, Handshake acts as the employer of record. That's different from the rest of the site, which functions as a job board listing openings for other companies.
Why do these AI training roles pay so much?
Because general knowledge isn't what's being tested. The model already knows the basics; what it needs is expertise on edge cases, the rare, difficult, highly technical judgment calls only a senior professional in the field would make correctly.
What does the day-to-day workload look like for elite-expert AI training roles?
Slow and deep, not fast and repetitive. A single task can take 45-60 minutes of researching citations or verifying complex calculations. Quality is what's being measured here, not throughput.
What does Finance work look like for a Quantitative Finance Researcher?
Tasks here are scoped to Finance, not generic labeling. As a Quantitative Finance Researcher, expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to Finance) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on Finance background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
What specific skills does this listing call for?
Expert is named directly in the listing. If you don't have hands-on experience with this, expect the screening process to test for it directly rather than accepting adjacent experience as a substitute.
How much does this specific role pay?
This listing is posted at $150/hr, an hourly rate. Pay can change between when we last checked the listing and when you apply, so confirm the current number on the platform's own application page before committing time.
What happens when I click Apply on this listing?
You'll be taken to Handshake's external site to complete your application there. This listing links through a referral, but the process is identical to applying directly; the link just routes you correctly. Create an account on their site and follow their onboarding steps.
Are Handshake AI training listings internships?
Some are, some aren't. Handshake lists both standard internships and separate "AI Trainer" fellowships. Check the job description for "1099" or "Contract" language: that signals a freelance role, not W-2 employment.