We are looking for a cryptographer & researcher interested in zero-knowledge cryptographic protocols and their application to distributed ledger technology to work with us to evaluate, design, and implement zero-knowledge proof constructions such as zkSNARKs and zkSTARKs, and design, implement, and analyze circuits in R1CS or AIR which realise privacy and scalability capabilities required by the next generation of blockchain networks.

This role offers the chance to work closely with a small team on compelling cross-disciplinary problems in computer science, cryptography, and economics, and enjoy a high degree of independence in working conditions and task prioritisation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and analyze zkSNARK and zkSTARK proof systems such as Groth '16, Sonic, and Ben-Sasson '18 for security, expressivity, and performance; monitor the state of the research field for compelling new theoretical advances
• Design and implement circuits in R1CS and AIR using libSNARK, libiop, and/or the Snarky domain-specific language for use in blockchain networks
• Produce technical specifications for instantiations of cryptographic protocols and assist with implementation in coordination with team members
• Implement and test elliptic curve primitives required for zero-knowledge proof systems, primarily in Rust, and evaluate existing implementations

Qualifications

• Prior experience with cryptographic protocols, especially zkSNARKS or zkSTARKs (though not specifically required)
• Prior experience in low-level systems programming, ideally in Rust
• Self-motivated & self-organised (expect minimal management)

Bonus Qualifications

• Prior experience with distributed ledger (blockchain) technology
• Experience in a functional programming language such as Haskell, Idris, or Ocaml

Misc.

Competitive compensation in a negotiable mix of salary and equity.

Remote or local (Zürich/Zug, Berlin). When remote, preferred if mostly located within (+/- 7 hours) Central European time zones. North America is fine.

Ideally someone who enjoys travel, nature and hiking. Often we find that protocols are best designed not in a meeting room but rather on a trail.