# Director of Research
**Company:** [Stellar](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/stellar)
**Location:** Remote
**Salary:** $210K-$365K
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** Cryptography, Distributed Systems, Computer Science, Open-Source Software, Mechanism Design, Incentive Design, Blockchain, Ietf, W3C
**Posted:** 2025-05-08
> Leads scientific research agenda in cryptography, distributed systems, and decentralized technologies for blockchain financial infrastructure. Requires PhD, 10+ years research experience, and team leadership skills.
## Job Description
## 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.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/director-of-research-at-stellar-14b7c280-25eb-486c-8131-af3b5a81c1b5
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