Quantitative Researcher

20+ Quantitative Researcher Interview Questions and Answers

Updated 7 Jul 2025
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6d ago

Q. What does CPI stand for? Is it the same as Grade Point Average?

Ans.

CPI stands for Consumer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices of goods and services over time.

  • CPI is not the same as Grade Point Average (GPA)

  • CPI is a measure of inflation and is used to track changes in the cost of living

  • CPI is calculated by comparing the prices of a basket of goods and services over time

  • CPI is used by policymakers to make decisions about monetary policy and to adjust Social Security benefits

  • GPA is a measure of academic performance and is ...read more

Asked in WorldQuant

4d ago

Q. Describe a sequence of operations using the functions exp, square, sin, cos, tan, and their inverses on a calculator to convert the number 0 to 1, then to 2, then to 3, and finally to -3.

Ans.

This question involves using a calculator's functions to convert numbers through mathematical operations.

  • Use the exp function to convert 0 to 1: exp(0) = 1.

  • Square the result of 1 to get 2: 1^2 = 1.

  • Use the square root function to convert 2 to 3: sqrt(2) ≈ 1.414, which is not 3.

  • To convert 3 to -3, use the inverse of the square function: -sqrt(3) ≈ -1.732.

Quantitative Researcher Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

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Asked in Jane Street

5d ago

Q. How can you simulate a 10-sided die using a 6-sided die?

Ans.

Simulate a 10-sided die using a 6-sided die.

  • Assign each number on the 6-sided die to two numbers on the 10-sided die.

  • Roll the 6-sided die twice and combine the results to get a number between 1 and 36.

  • If the result is between 1 and 30, divide it by 3 and take the ceiling to get a number between 1 and 10.

  • If the result is 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36, re-roll.

2d ago

Q. Write a pseudo code to find the k'th largest element in an array.

Ans.

Pseudo code to find the k'th largest element in an array

  • Sort the array in descending order

  • Return the element at index k-1

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6d ago

Q. 1) What is attention mechanism (since it was mentionned in my resume) 2) What is the sde of the Heston model? 3) What is implied volatility? 4) What is PCA (machine learning question)? 5) How matrices are inver...

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Ans.

Answers to various quantitative research questions

  • Attention mechanism is a key component in deep learning models that allows the model to focus on specific parts of the input sequence.

  • SDE stands for Stochastic Differential Equation in the context of the Heston model used in quantitative finance.

  • Implied volatility is the market's expectation of future volatility implied by the prices of options.

  • PCA (Principal Component Analysis) is a technique used for dimensionality reduction...read more

Q. Why do brands launch their products in South India despite consumers being least open to experimentation there?

Ans.

Brands launch products in South India despite low experimentation due to large population, diverse market, potential for growth, and competition.

  • Large population in South India provides a significant market size for brands to tap into.

  • The diverse market in South India allows brands to cater to different consumer preferences and behaviors.

  • Despite being less open to experimentation, there is still potential for growth in South India as consumer preferences evolve over time.

  • Comp...read more

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3d ago

Q. How would you find a loop in a linked list?

Ans.

Loop in a linkedlist can be found using Floyd's cycle-finding algorithm.

  • Use two pointers, one moving at a speed of 1 and the other at a speed of 2.

  • If there is a loop, the two pointers will eventually meet at some point.

  • If there is no loop, the faster pointer will reach the end of the list.

  • Time complexity is O(n) and space complexity is O(1).

Q. How can you create a fair game using a biased die that lands heads with probability p?

Ans.

To make a fair game out of an unfair die showing heads with probability p, we can introduce a penalty for rolling heads.

  • Introduce a penalty for rolling heads, such as losing a point or skipping a turn.

  • Adjust the game rules to account for the unfair die, ensuring that the penalty balances out the advantage of rolling heads.

  • Consider incorporating strategic elements or decision-making to mitigate the impact of the unfair die on the game's fairness.

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Asked in Squarepoint

4d ago

Q. Heads is represented by 1 and Tails by 2. A coin is tossed repeatedly, and the results are stored in an array. Another array stores the running sum of the first array. What is the probability of finding 100 in...

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Ans.

Calculate the probability of achieving a running sum of 100 from coin tosses represented as 1s and 2s.

  • Each Heads (1) and Tails (2) contributes to the running sum.

  • The running sum can be expressed as S = x + 2y, where x is the number of Heads and y is the number of Tails.

  • To find the probability of S = 100, we need to solve the equation x + 2y = 100.

  • For example, if x = 0, then y = 50 (50 Tails). If x = 100, then y = 0 (100 Heads).

  • The total number of combinations of x and y can b...read more

Q. Give an example of a function that has a correlation of 0.

Ans.

A function that has a correlation of 0 means there is no linear relationship between the variables.

  • A sine function and a cosine function have a correlation of 0 because they are orthogonal to each other.

  • Randomly generated data points often have a correlation of 0 since there is no pattern or relationship between them.

  • A horizontal line has a correlation of 0 with any other function since it does not change with the other variable.

Asked in Squarepoint

6d ago

Q. Two players can choose a number from 1 to 10. The goal is to avoid reaching a sum of 100 or larger. What is the winning strategy?

Ans.

The winning strategy is to ensure that the sum of both players' choices is always a multiple of 11.

  • Ensure that the sum of both players' choices is always a multiple of 11

  • If one player chooses x, the other player should choose 11-x to maintain the multiple of 11 rule

  • For example, if player 1 chooses 3, player 2 should choose 8 to make the sum 11

Asked in UBS

2d ago

Q. Have you ever worked with machine learning algorithms?

Ans.

Yes, I have experience working with machine learning algorithms in various projects.

  • I have implemented supervised learning algorithms such as linear regression, logistic regression, and support vector machines.

  • I have also worked with unsupervised learning algorithms like k-means clustering and principal component analysis.

  • I have experience with deep learning algorithms such as neural networks and convolutional neural networks.

  • I have used machine learning algorithms for tasks ...read more

4d ago

Q. Can you replicate those exact strategies for us?

Ans.

Replicating strategies requires understanding, data access, and adaptability to market conditions.

  • Analyze the original strategies' performance metrics to understand their effectiveness.

  • Gather historical data relevant to the strategies, such as price movements and volume.

  • Implement the strategies using a robust backtesting framework to evaluate their potential.

  • Continuously monitor and adjust the strategies based on changing market conditions.

5d ago

Q. What is PCA and why is it useful?

Ans.

PCA stands for Principal Component Analysis. It is a statistical technique used to reduce the dimensionality of data while preserving important information.

  • PCA helps in identifying patterns in data by transforming it into a new coordinate system where the greatest variance lies on the first axis, the second greatest variance on the second axis, and so on.

  • It is useful for reducing the number of variables in a dataset, making it easier to visualize and interpret.

  • PCA is commonly...read more

Asked in WorldQuant

4d ago

Q. Are you interested in pursuing further education?

Ans.

Yes, I am interested in pursuing further studies.

  • I believe that continuous learning is essential in this field.

  • I am interested in exploring advanced statistical models and techniques.

  • I am considering pursuing a PhD in a related field in the future.

Asked in Kivi Capital

4d ago

Q. Let's discuss your resume and your experience with alpha formation.

Ans.

Alpha formation involves identifying and exploiting market inefficiencies to generate excess returns.

  • Alpha can be derived from various sources, such as fundamental analysis, technical analysis, or quantitative models.

  • Example: A quantitative model might identify stocks with low price-to-earnings ratios that are undervalued compared to their peers.

  • Sentiment analysis can also be a source of alpha, where social media trends are analyzed to predict stock movements.

  • Risk factors, su...read more

4d ago

Q. Draw a graph of x + (1/x).

Ans.

Graph of x+(1/x) is a hyperbola with two branches.

  • The graph consists of two branches, one in the first quadrant and one in the third quadrant.

  • As x approaches positive or negative infinity, the graph approaches the x-axis.

  • The graph has a vertical asymptote at x=0.

  • The minimum value of the function is 2 when x=1 or x=-1.

3d ago

Q. Explain the usage of multivariate statistics.

Ans.

Multivariate statistics involves analyzing data with multiple variables to understand relationships and patterns.

  • Multivariate statistics allows for the analysis of complex relationships between multiple variables simultaneously

  • It can be used to identify patterns, trends, and correlations in data

  • Common techniques include factor analysis, cluster analysis, and multivariate regression

  • Example: Using multivariate statistics to analyze the relationship between customer demographics...read more

Asked in Amazon

6d ago

Q. Given an array of integers nums and an integer target, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to target. You may assume that each input would have exactly one solution, and you may not use the...

read more
Ans.

Find all unique pairs in an array that sum to a specific target value.

  • Use a hash map to store numbers and their indices for quick lookup.

  • Iterate through the array, for each number, check if (target - number) exists in the map.

  • Ensure pairs are unique by using a set to store results.

  • Example: For array [1, 2, 3, 4] and target 5, pairs are (1, 4) and (2, 3).

Asked in Genpact

5d ago

Q. monte carlo simulation

Ans.

Monte Carlo simulation is a statistical technique used to model and analyze complex systems through random sampling.

  • Used in finance to estimate the value of investments by simulating thousands of market scenarios.

  • In project management, it helps assess risks by simulating project timelines and costs.

  • In physics, it can model particle interactions by simulating random paths of particles.

  • Example: Pricing options using the Black-Scholes model through random price paths.

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