Here at CU Quants, we have two membership classes: (1) General Members and (2) Project Researchers/Project Analysts.
General Members attend speaker events, workshops, and training sessions. They gain exposure to quantitative finance, data science, and financial engineering through passive participation and networking opportunities.
Project Researchers/Project Analysts engage in hands-on quantitative research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. They contribute to tasks such as financial modeling, backtesting strategies, data acquisition and cleaning, coding in Python or R, and preparing final presentations. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong technical skills, curiosity, and the ability to work in a team-based research environment.
To become a General Member of CU Quants, attend any of our weekly meetings or events listed on our calendar. No application is required. Join our mailing list and Slack to receive updates on upcoming sessions, resources, and opportunities. Consistent attendance and participation are expected for continued membership recognition.
Project Researchers/Analysts are selected members who work on quantitative finance research teams within CU Quants. They apply mathematical, statistical, and programming methods to investigate financial strategies, conduct data-driven analyses, and present actionable insights.
Build and test trading strategies using historical data
Perform statistical modeling and risk analysis
Write and maintain code in Python, R, or MATLAB
Source, clean, and structure financial data
Collaborate in small research teams
Present findings in formal reviews and club showcases
Commitment to weekly team meetings and deadlines
Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python preferred)Working knowledge of statistics, linear algebra, and probability
Ability to read and apply academic research
Ownership of deliverables and code quality
Clear and concise communication of technical findings
Submit an application during the open recruitment period at the start of each semester. Candidates are evaluated based on technical skill, analytical thinking, and team fit. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to complete a take-home task or brief interview.
Applications for the Project Researcher/Analyst role are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the semester. However, applying before or during the opening weeks is strongly encouraged to maximize team integration and project continuity.
After an initial screening of submissions, select candidates will be contacted for interviews conducted by project leaders. These interviews assess technical ability, communication, and alignment with project needs.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear passion for quantitative finance above all else. Strong candidates will have a specific interest in a project team and an understanding of that team's focus area.
Applications are currently closed. They will reopen July 2025.
Starting a project under CU Quants provides access to institutional support, resources, and visibility that significantly enhance project impact and viability.
Funding – Approved projects may receive financial support for data acquisition, cloud computing, software licenses, or competition entry fees.
Technical Resources – Teams gain access to shared datasets, research tools, and collaborative platforms used by CU Quants.Recruitment
Support – Project leads can recruit from a pool of technically skilled and motivated members through official club channels.
Mentorship – Projects receive guidance from experienced members, faculty advisors, and external professionals in quantitative finance and data science.
Industry Exposure – High-performing projects are spotlighted during showcases, speaker events, and alumni engagements, providing visibility to firms and recruiters.
Credibility – Operating under the CU Quants banner signals institutional legitimacy, methodological rigor, and commitment to research standards.
Networking – Leaders and team members connect with peers, faculty, and industry professionals through CU Quants' established relationships.
CU Quants supports the creation of new project teams by motivated members with original ideas. To start your own project group, you must meet two primary requirements:
The project topic must not duplicate an existing or past CU Quants project.
You must demonstrate subject matter expertise and the capability to lead a research team effectively.
The process begins with submitting a detailed project proposal form outlining your research objective, methodology, required skills, and projected timeline. Within approximately one week, the executive board will review the submission. If approved for consideration, you will be invited to deliver an in-person pitch to CU Quants leadership, defending the project's feasibility, relevance, and expected outcomes.
Leaders of accepted projects are expected to recruit members, manage timelines, maintain documentation, and deliver results in alignment with CU Quants standards. Technical competence, initiative, and leadership maturity are non-negotiable.
Project proposals are currently closed. The submission form will reopen in July 2025.