Harrington Starr Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Harrington Starr is a prominent systematic proprietary trading firm with a strong focus on high-frequency and mid-frequency trading strategies across US and global equities.

As a Research Scientist at Harrington Starr, you will play a critical role in researching, deploying, and optimizing algorithmic trading strategies. This position requires a deep understanding of quantitative analysis and algorithm design, alongside proficiency in algorithms, programming (particularly in Python), and data analysis. The ideal candidate will possess at least three years of equity trading experience, hold a STEM degree (preferably a Master's or PhD), and demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, a collaborative mindset is essential, as the firm values teamwork and the sharing of innovative ideas. Your ability to think critically and adapt to the fast-paced nature of trading will be crucial for success in this role.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the key competencies and values that Harrington Starr prioritizes, allowing you to showcase your fit for the role effectively.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Harrington Starr is designed to be thorough and engaging, ensuring that both the candidate and the company can assess mutual fit.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening, which may be conducted via phone or video call. During this stage, a recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. This is an opportunity for you to share your experiences and motivations, as well as to gauge if Harrington Starr aligns with your career aspirations.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates can expect a technical interview that focuses on your quantitative skills and research capabilities. This interview may involve problem-solving exercises related to algorithmic trading strategies, as well as discussions about your previous research and its applications in trading. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge in practical scenarios.

3. Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview is a crucial part of the process, where you will meet with multiple team members, including executives and peers. This stage is designed to assess your cultural fit within the team and the organization. Expect open-ended questions that encourage you to share insights about your work style, collaboration experiences, and long-term career goals. The interviewers will be interested in understanding your motivations and how you align with the company's values.

4. Final Interview

The final interview may involve a more in-depth discussion with senior management or even the company's owners. This stage often includes role-playing scenarios to evaluate your decision-making and analytical skills in real-time. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions about the company’s vision and your potential role within it. The atmosphere is generally friendly yet professional, allowing for a genuine exchange of ideas.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to engage actively and ask questions, as this demonstrates your interest in the role and the company.

Now, let’s delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Harrington Starr.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace the Collaborative Culture

Harrington Starr values collaboration and teamwork, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Highlight experiences where you successfully collaborated on projects or contributed to team success. Show enthusiasm for sharing ideas and learning from your peers, as this aligns with the company's flat hierarchy and focus on collective growth.

Prepare for Thoughtful Conversations

The interview process at Harrington Starr is known for being organized and engaging, with open-ended questions that allow you to share your insights. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in detail, focusing on your motivations and the impact of your work. Think about how your background in quantitative research and algorithmic trading can contribute to the firm's goals, and be ready to articulate this clearly.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Research Scientist, your technical skills will be under scrutiny. Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and quantitative analysis, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these skills, and consider how you can optimize existing strategies or develop new ones. Demonstrating a strong command of relevant technical concepts will set you apart.

Be Authentic and Personable

While professionalism is key, Harrington Starr also appreciates a personable approach. Don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share anecdotes that reflect your character and work ethic, and engage with your interviewers in a way that feels natural. This will help you connect with the team and show that you would be a good cultural fit.

Ask Insightful Questions

The interview process allows significant time for candidates to ask questions, so take advantage of this opportunity. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, the company's approach to algorithmic trading, or how they measure success in their research initiatives. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if Harrington Starr is the right fit for you.

Manage Expectations and Stay Calm

Interviews can be intimidating, but remember that the atmosphere at Harrington Starr is generally friendly and supportive. Approach the interview with a calm demeanor, and manage your expectations. Understand that the interviewers are looking for a mutual fit, so focus on presenting your best self while also assessing if the company aligns with your career aspirations.

By following these tips, you can navigate the interview process at Harrington Starr with confidence and clarity, positioning yourself as a strong candidate for the Research Scientist role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Research Scientist role at Harrington Starr. The interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Expect a mix of open-ended questions that allow you to showcase your insights and experiences, as well as specific technical inquiries related to quantitative research and algorithmic trading.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain a quantitative trading strategy you have developed or worked on?

This question aims to gauge your practical experience in developing trading strategies and your understanding of quantitative methods.

How to Answer

Discuss the strategy's objectives, the data you used, and the results you achieved. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“I developed a mean-reversion strategy that utilized historical price data to identify overbought and oversold conditions. By implementing a combination of statistical tests and machine learning algorithms, I was able to optimize the entry and exit points, resulting in a 15% increase in returns over a six-month period.”

2. What statistical methods do you find most useful in analyzing trading data?

This question assesses your knowledge of statistical techniques relevant to quantitative research.

How to Answer

Mention specific statistical methods you have used, such as regression analysis, time series analysis, or hypothesis testing, and explain their relevance to trading data.

Example

“I frequently use regression analysis to identify relationships between different market factors and asset prices. Additionally, time series analysis helps me understand trends and seasonality in trading data, which is crucial for making informed decisions.”

3. How do you approach backtesting a trading strategy?

This question evaluates your understanding of the backtesting process and its importance in algorithmic trading.

How to Answer

Explain the steps you take to backtest a strategy, including data selection, performance metrics, and risk management considerations.

Example

“I start by selecting a robust dataset that reflects the market conditions during the strategy's intended use. I then implement the strategy in a simulated environment, analyzing key performance metrics such as Sharpe ratio and maximum drawdown to assess its viability. I also ensure to account for transaction costs and slippage to get a realistic view of performance.”

4. Describe a time when you had to optimize an existing trading strategy. What was your approach?

This question seeks to understand your problem-solving skills and ability to improve upon existing methods.

How to Answer

Discuss the specific strategy you optimized, the metrics you focused on, and the techniques you employed to enhance its performance.

Example

“I was tasked with optimizing a momentum-based strategy that was underperforming. I analyzed the parameters and discovered that adjusting the holding period significantly improved returns. By applying machine learning techniques to dynamically adjust the parameters based on market conditions, I was able to enhance the strategy's performance by 20%.”

Cultural Fit

5. Why do you want to work at Harrington Starr?

This question assesses your motivation for joining the company and your understanding of its culture.

How to Answer

Reflect on what attracts you to Harrington Starr, such as its collaborative environment, focus on innovation, or commitment to employee growth.

Example

“I am drawn to Harrington Starr because of its emphasis on collaboration and innovation in quantitative research. I appreciate the flat hierarchy, which fosters an environment where ideas can be freely shared and developed. I believe my background in algorithmic trading aligns well with the firm’s goals, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its success.”

6. How do you handle feedback and criticism in a team setting?

This question evaluates your ability to work within a team and your openness to constructive criticism.

How to Answer

Share your perspective on feedback, emphasizing your willingness to learn and adapt based on input from colleagues.

Example

“I view feedback as an essential part of personal and professional growth. In my previous role, I actively sought input from my peers on my trading strategies. When I received constructive criticism, I took it to heart and made adjustments, which ultimately led to improved performance and stronger team dynamics.”

7. Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you managed it.

This question aims to understand your project management skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Outline the project, the challenges you faced, and the strategies you employed to overcome them.

Example

“I worked on a project that involved developing a new trading algorithm under a tight deadline. The challenge was integrating multiple data sources while ensuring data integrity. I organized daily check-ins with my team to address issues promptly and allocated tasks based on each member's strengths. This collaborative approach allowed us to meet the deadline successfully while maintaining high-quality standards.”

8. What do you think is the most important quality for a Research Scientist in a trading firm?

This question assesses your understanding of the role and its demands.

How to Answer

Identify a key quality that you believe is essential for success in the role and explain why it matters.

Example

“I believe adaptability is the most important quality for a Research Scientist in a trading firm. The financial markets are constantly evolving, and being able to pivot and adjust strategies in response to new data or market conditions is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.”