Director of Research

Job Description:

• Define and lead a long-term scientific research agenda that supports SDF’s mission
• Build strong, lasting partnerships with top researchers, labs, and institutions
• Oversee a portfolio of research efforts in cryptography, distributed systems, and incentive design
• Recruit and develop a diverse group of research scientists and applied researchers
• Ensure that research outcomes inform product strategy, ecosystem standards, and protocol development
• Represent SDF at conferences, academic workshops, and standards bodies

Requirements:

• PhD in Computer Science, Cryptography, Distributed Systems, or a related field.
• 10+ years of research experience in academia (e.g., tenured or tenure-track faculty) or industry (e.g., senior research scientist or director-level role).
• Strong track record of high-impact contributions, such as peer-reviewed publications, patents, open-source projects, or foundational technical work.
• Demonstrated experience leading research programs or teams, including setting strategy and managing multi-year initiatives.
• Bonus Points if (optional): Experience working in both academic and applied research settings, familiarity with open-source software development practices, proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and institutions, strong communication skills, commitment to mentoring and supporting researchers across career stages, interest in or experience with the societal, economic, and ethical dimensions of decentralized systems.

Benefits:

• Competitive health, dental & vision coverage with most plans covered at 100% for the employee + any dependents
• Flexible time off + 15 company holidays including a company-wide holiday break
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for both non-birthing and birthing parents, as well as up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave for birthing parents
• Gym reimbursement ($80 per month)
• Life & ADD (up to $50K)
• Short & Long term disability
• 401K with 4% match
• Health & Dependent Care FSA Accounts
• Commuter benefits with $250/month employer contribution
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with monthly employer contribution
• Family building benefits through Kindbody
• Wellbeing benefits (One Medical, Rightway, Headspace)
• L&D budget of $1,500/year
• Daily lunch and snacks in office
• Company retreats