OpenZeppelin is hiring a
Applied Cryptographer

Summary

Join OpenZeppelin's Zero-Knowledge Practice team as an applied cryptographer to expand the team's capacity and diversity of academic backgrounds. Analyze circuit construction security, research new mathematical approaches, educate the community about zero-knowledge technology, lead research, train new team members, and speak at ZK conferences.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent experience in cryptography, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related field
• In depth algorithmical and mathematical understanding of zero-knowledge proof systems and related cryptographic primitives
• Experience implementing cryptographic components in one or more of: Rust, Go/Golang, Solidity, Circom, ZoKrates, Cairo
• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents
• Publications at leading workshops or conferences at any of the IACR flagship conferences (EUROCRYPT, CRYPTO, ASIACRYPT, etc.)
• Intellectual curiosity and the capability to learn complex topics independently
• An advanced English level and great communication skills (oral and written)
• The ability to work independently, with minimal supervision
• Passion about the blockchain space and decentralization
• Ability to work collaboratively in a distributed team

Responsibilities

• Analyzing the security of circuit construction and cryptographic components in support of audits of succinct and/or zero-knowledge proofs for blockchain protocols
• Researching new mathematical approaches based on novel cryptography research available in academia
• Teaming up with other auditors to review zero-knowledge circuits line by line to try to hack them
• Educating the community about zero-knowledge technology and relevant security considerations through series of blog posts
• Leading research and contributing to OpenZeppelin’s projects and knowledge bases
• Training new team members in zero-knowledge technology
• Speaking at ZK conferences around the world

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience analyzing the security of blockchain protocols
• Experience building or analyzing STARK-based and/or FRI-based systems
• Experience contributing to a major zk library (e.g. Halo2)
• In-depth knowledge of implementations of elliptic curve cryptography
• Experience developing applications using PLONK or recursive zk-proofs
• Experience working with L2 scaling protocols or privacy applications
• Experience participating in zk-themed CTF competitions

Benefits

• Company in-person gatherings in different locations around the world
• Fully remote work
• Flexible time off
• Paid parental leave for primary or second caregiver
• One time work-from-home equipment stipend of up to $500 USD
• Co-working (up to $250/month)
• Medical coverage
• Annual Learning & Development budget
• Referral program
• Work with a global team in a fast-growing industry