Senior Researcher

As a Senior Researcher at RootstockLabs, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our blockchain research initiatives. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, practical problem-solving ability, and the curiosity to learn fast. You will lead and execute research projects from idea to implementation, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to developing innovative blockchain and distributed systems solutions. Additionally, you will represent the organization at industry events and help shape the broader blockchain research community.
We are hiring only within Europe and Latin America time zones. Candidates from other regions will not be considered.

• Independently conduct research on blockchain-related topics, defining research questions, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
• Define research priorities and lead projects from inception to completion, ensuring impactful results.
• Contribute to identifying strategic research needs and opportunities within the evolving blockchain landscape.
• Develop and maintain the organization’s research roadmap, aligning it with broader business objectives.
• Prepare and present research findings through reports, presentations, and publications at academic and industry conferences.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences and events, delivering presentations and building the organization’s presence in the blockchain research community.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the research team.

• Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field is preferred.
• 5+ years of research experience in the blockchain, distributed systems, or closely related technical domains.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to applied research projects that connect theory with real-world impact, demonstrated through a track record of published research articles and code contributions in blockchain or related technical areas.
• Project Management: Strong project management and ownership skills, with the ability to define priorities, manage research milestones, and deliver results autonomously.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate theoretical research into practical applications that drive business value.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences in English. Strong publication record and experience presenting at conferences.
• Software Development: Practical coding ability required.
• Solid understanding of software development processes, algorithms, or programming concepts, not as a full-time developer, but to validate hypotheses, build prototype solutions, evaluate existing tools and SDKs, and analyze technical results.

Nice to have

• Industry Knowledge: research experience outside of academia and/or deep understanding of blockchain technologies
• Experience in designing or building blockchain protocols
• Knowledge or experience in relevant technologies: Rootstock, EVM, Bitcoin L2s, merged mining, cross-chain protocols, etc.

At RootstockLabs, we don’t just offer a job, we offer a community. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Competitive compensation package and unique benefits designed to support your growth and well-being.
• 100% Remote Work from Europe / Latin America, with access to global CoWorking spaces.
• Work-Life Balance: Up to 35 vacation days, 30 sick days and parental leave.
• Continuous Learning: Access to training programs, language courses, and learning sponsorship annually.
• Unique Projects: Work with cutting-edge blockchain technology in a global, diverse team.
• Monthly Allowance for Contractors to support your connectivity and well-being.

RootstockLabs exists to make Bitcoin work for everyone. We do this through giving developers the tools to build on Bitcoin, supporting the growth of the Rootstock ecosystem and the RIF economy while continuing to expand the frontiers of decentralized technology. 

Our Purpose: To Make Bitcoin work for everyone

Our Mission: Give developers the tools to build on Bitcoin, support the growth of the Rootstock ecosystem, and expand the frontiers of decentralized technology.