Protocol Research Lead

Scroll is seeking a skilled Protocol Research Lead to take over leadership responsibilities for our research team. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a secure and decentralized zero-knowledge rollup by conducting research on Ethereum and layer 2 design, with a focus on protocol and mechanism design. Applicants should have a strong understanding of protocol research, basic coding ability, and the capacity to lead and manage a team of accomplished researchers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build a world-class research team at Scroll.
• Manage and provide direct contributions to research efforts in a globally distributed environment.
• Represent Scroll at conferences and events.
• Assess existing layer 2 and Ethereum protocols through examination of code and papers.
• Propose new designs and optimizations for our layer 2 protocol.
• Propose new designs and optimizations for Ethereum.
• Explore research topics related to EVM, MEV, PBS, AA, Layer 3, etc.
• Produce high-quality content, such as presentations, blog posts, and research articles.
• Keep the engineering team up to date with the latest developments in protocol research.
• Establish collaborations with universities and external researchers to address open problems.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in crypto/web3 research roles.
• Minimum 1 year of experience leading a team of at least 2 researchers.
• Familiarity with Layer 2 and Ethereum infrastructure.
• Proficiency in reading and writing academic papers, and proposing EIPs.
• Ability to clearly explain cutting-edge crypto research to engineers.
• Preferred experience in blockchain infrastructure development or cryptography.
• Fluency in Golang, Rust, C++, or similar languages. Prior experience is not mandatory.

About You

• Shared values of building with community, openness, and credible neutrality.
• Strong interest in decentralized systems and open source collaboration.
• Responsive, collaborative, and mission-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work autonomously with regular communication and one-on-one meetings.
• Effective communication skills on calls or in asynchronous settings.

What We Offer

• Mission-driven and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and like-minded individuals.
• Competitive salary package with generous paid time off and growth budget.
• Remote work from any location with flexible hours.
• Home office setup or a co-working membership allowance.
• Private healthcare in select countries.

Scroll is committed to equal employment opportunities and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We accommodate disabilities and special needs to the best of our abilities.