Machine Learning Researcher (PhD) – Systematic Commodities Hedge FundMoreton Capital Partners is seeking a Machine Learning Researcher to help design and improve the predictive models that power our systematic commodities trading strategies.We trade general commodity futures using machine learning, alternative data, and institutional-grade portfolio construction.Our edge comes from research depth, disciplined experimentation, and robust production systems.This role is for candidates completing or having recently completed a PhD with a strong machine learning, statistics, or applied mathematics focus who want to apply advanced research in a real capital environment.You will work directly with the CIO and quant research team to turn cutting-edge ML ideas into live trading signals.This is not a purely academic role.Your research will ship to production and directly impact portfolio returns.What you will work onDesigning predictive models for cross-sectional and time-series commodity returnsDeveloping new features from price, positioning, options, macro, and alternative datasetsImproving signal robustness and reducing overfitting through rigorous validationCombining and blending multiple models into portfolio-level forecastsRegime detection, meta-models, and adaptive allocation frameworksModel diagnostics, explainability, and stability analysisTranslating research ideas into production-ready implementationsCollaborating with engineers to deploy models into live trading systemsKey ResponsibilitiesFormulate research hypotheses and test them using clean, time-aware ML pipelinesBuild and evaluate models (tree-based, linear, ensemble, deep learning,



etc.)Run walk-forward and out-of-sample experiments with realistic costsAnalyze information coefficients, turnover, drawdowns, and risk-adjusted returnsDesign feature engineering frameworks and reusable research toolingDocument findings clearly and communicate results to portfolio managersContribute to improving research standards, reproducibility, and processesPhD (completed or near completion) in Machine Learning, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or related quantitative fieldStrong Python skills and experience with scientific computing stacksDeep understanding of statistical learning and model validationExperience working with large datasets and experimental pipelinesAbility to move from theory to practical implementationIntellectual curiosity and strong problem-solving mindsetComfortable working in a fast-paced, high-ownership environmentBonus Points ForExperience with financial markets or systematic tradingFamiliarity with time-series modelling or forecastingExperience with LightGBM/XGBoost, deep learning, or ensemble methodsExposure to portfolio construction or risk modellingExperience with cloud or distributed compute environmentsPublished research or strong applied projectsWhy this role is uniqueDirect impact: your research drives live trading capitalResearch freedom: explore ideas with fast feedback loopsReal-world data: large, messy, multi-source datasetsSmall team: high ownership and rapid iterationStrong learning curve across ML, markets, and portfolio constructionClear path into Senior Researcher or Portfolio Manager responsibilitiesMarket leading benefitsHigh responsibility from day onePerformance bonus tied to firm growth and personal performance (up to 3x salary)#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Machine Learning Researcher (Phd) - Systematic Commodities Hedge Fund (Xico)
🏢 Moreton Capital Partners
📍 Xico