Protocol Research Lead

Scroll is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, specifically focusing on zkRollups. Key aspects of Scroll are zkRollup technology, Scalability, Efficiency, Security, and Developer-friendly. Overall, Scroll plays a crucial role in addressing Ethereum's scalability challenges and facilitating the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi) and other blockchain-based applications by providing a scalable and efficient Layer 2 solution. 

We are looking for a Protocol Research Lead to join and take over the leadership of our research team. Building a truly secure, scalable, and decentralized zero-knowledge rollup requires considerable research work, including solving many open problems around protocol and mechanism design.
Your day-to-day work as a researcher at Scroll will involve conducting research on Ethereum and layer 2 design. This research will need to cover a very large scope including rollup economics, state growth, EVM, MEV, PBS, AA, Layer 3, etc.
We are looking for somebody with a deep understanding of protocol research as well as basic coding ability, who can directly contribute to research whilst leading and building a team of other world class researchers.

Job Responsibilities

- Lead and continue the build of a world class research team at Scroll.
- Manage a small but growing globally distributed research team whilst directly contributing with your own research.
- Represent and present for Scroll at conferences and events.
- Survey existing layer 2 and Ethereum protocols through code and papers.
- Propose new designs and optimizations for our layer 2 protocol.
- Propose new designs and optimizations for Ethereum (i.e. propose layer 2 related EIPs).
- Explore new research directions (i.e. EVM, MEV, PBS, AA, Layer 3, etc).
- Output high quality content (i.e. talk, blog post, research post).
- Keep the engineering team up to date with the latest ideas in protocol research.
- Establish collaborations with universities and external researchers to solve open problems.

Requirements and Skills:

- 3+ years of experience in a research role within crypto / web3.
- 1+ years of experience leading a team of at least 2+ researchers.
- Familiarity with Layer 2 and Ethereum infrastructure.
- Ability to read and write academic papers, understand and propose EIPs.
- Ability to present and explain cutting-edge crypto research to engineers clearly.
- Experience in blockchain infrastructure development or cryptography preferred.
- Fluency in Golang, Rust, C++, or similar languages. We work primarily in Golang and Rust, but prior experience is not mandatory.

About You

• You are a self-starter and ability to take ownership, well organised, self-disciplined and effective when working autonomously on tasks and projects;
• You are responsive, collaborative and committed person with a high work ethic;
• You are a high class communicator who can articulate their views succinctly on calls or asynchronously in globally distributed, remote teams;
• You relish working in an agile start-up environment;
• You are a great listener who understands when to listen first and engages well with colleagues;
• You are a resilient, driven individual who is willing and able to continually develop and iterate to succeed;

What We Offer

• A mission-led, collaborative culture
• Opportunity to work with cutting edge technology and like-minded people who are contributing to the progression of Ethereum
• Competitive salary package / generous paid time off / annual growth budget
• 100% remote from any location with flexible hours
• Home office set up / co-working membership allowance
• Private healthcare in selected countries

Scroll is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.