Research Team Lead (DeFi)

TL;DR

Research Team Lead (DeFi): Leading research efforts on decentralization, solver competition, and auction mechanisms within a leading DeFi protocol. Focus on driving applied research that directly influences live blockchain products and managing a research team in a remote, international environment.

Location: Remote with preference for Europe or within +/- 4 hours CEST time. Not hiring from the United States, Australia, or New Zealand.

Company

hirify.global is a decentralized finance organization focused on protecting Ethereum users from MEV and optimizing trade execution through innovative protocols and open-source projects.

What you will do

• Drive research on decentralization, solver competition, and mechanism evolution of the CoW Protocol.
• Lead and mentor the research team, overseeing ongoing projects.
• Maintain a hands-on approach by engaging directly with protocol challenges and experimentation.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to align research with strategic goals.
• Stay updated on emerging DeFi and blockchain trends to keep the protocol competitive.
• Communicate research insights clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Location: Must be remote with preference for Europe or within +/- 4 hours CEST time. Not open to candidates from the US, Australia, or New Zealand.
• Deep applied research experience in blockchain, DeFi, or crypto-economics.
• Proven leadership and management experience leading research teams or projects.
• Strong product ownership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, international remote team.
• Web3-native mindset and familiarity with on-chain trends and research.

Nice to have

• Experience with live protocol development and shipping research-driven products.
• Hands-on experience with data analysis and on-chain experimentation.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible work environment with option to join the Lisbon hub or work fully remotely.
• Token plan offering stake in the mission and future of hirify.global.
• Periodic team gatherings and conference budget for ecosystem engagement.
• Learning and hardware budgets to support professional growth.
• Flat hierarchies and a startup environment encouraging impact and ownership.
• Flexible work and vacation policies promoting work-life balance.