Director of Research

Responsibilities

• Shape the research vision: Define and lead a long-term scientific research agenda that supports SDF's mission while contributing to broader conversations in computer science and decentralized systems. Identify both mission-aligned applied challenges and foundational open problems to guide internal research and community engagement.
• Foster deep academic and industry collaboration: Build strong, lasting partnerships with top researchers, labs, and institutions. Support initiatives that lead to joint publications, open-source contributions, and shared advancement of knowledge.
• Balance innovation with exploration: Oversee a portfolio of research efforts ranging from mission-critical applications to blue-sky investigations in areas such as cryptography, distributed systems, and incentive design.
• Build and support a strong, mission-driven research team: Recruit and develop a diverse group of research scientists and applied researchers.
• Translate insights into real-world impact: Ensure that research outcomes inform product strategy, ecosystem standards, and protocol development.
• Engage with the global research community: Represent SDF at conferences, academic workshops, and standards bodies. Contribute to the broader discourse on decentralized systems and financial inclusion.

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.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience working in both academic and applied research settings.
• Familiarity with open-source software development practices and/or participation in open standards communities (e.g., IETF, W3C).
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and institutions.
• Strong communication skills.
• Commitment to mentoring and supporting researchers.
• Interest in or experience with the societal, economic, and ethical dimensions of decentralized systems.

Compensation

Base salary range: $210,000 - $365,000 depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Lumen-denominated grants. USA Benefits: Competitive health, dental & vision coverage, flexible time off, paid parental leave, gym reimbursement, 401K with 4% match, and more.