Researcher - Innovation

Researcher - Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Risk & Economic Security

Location: Preference for NYC but will accept Remote Europe & USA - would need to overlap EST hours

Compensation: $120K - $150K

We are the first automated, on‑chain economic security system, trusted by leading crypto protocols to manage and secure billions of dollars in assets. Our core mission is to enable crypto protocols to optimize risk management and capital efficiency while safeguarding user funds. We achieve this by analyzing protocol mechanics and scenario implications using world‑class custom EVM simulations to provide actionable insights.

We are seeking a proactive and results‑driven Researcher to join our team, reporting directly to the Vertical Lead for Lending. You will play a critical role in conducting in‑depth protocol research, modeling risk parameters, and communicating strategic findings to clients and the broader community, helping shape strategic research across high‑impact DeFi projects.

The Researcher will be responsible for conducting rigorous quantitative analysis and providing expert commentary on emerging DeFi protocols and products.

• Protocol Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of emerging DeFi protocols and products, with a focus on Risk Modeling, Mechanism Design, and parameter optimization
  .
• Data‑Driven Insights: Analyze financial and on‑chain data to draw out insights specific to protocol requirements, leveraging key metrics to perform various quantitative analyses.
• Reporting & Communication: Develop and deliver professional, high‑quality reports and research papers with clearly organized data for clients and the broader community.
• Stakeholder
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams to ensure high‑quality outputs and contribute to the continuous improvement and innovation of our platform.
• Code Understanding: Translate your understanding of protocol mechanics by proficiently reading and analyzing smart contract code.

• Experience: Proven experience in economic research, risk analysis, or a related quantitative field, with a strong preference for candidates with direct exposure to the DeFi space.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a solid history of conducting data‑driven research.
• Coding Proficiency: Comfortable running and modifying existing Python scripts, and capable of writing basic Python scripts for data fetching and normalization to support research activities.
• Protocol Comprehension: Proficient in reading and possessing a strong understanding of smart contract code
  .
• Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of compiling and presenting complex research findings and writing formal research papers.
• Domain Passion: Strong problem‑solving abilities and a genuine passion for DeFi and blockchain technology.
• Teamwork: A collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with external clients and internal teams to refine product offerings.

• Based in NYC (with ability to work from our Brooklyn office), USA, or Europe.
• Direct experience with smart contracts, blockchain protocols, and/or DeFi projects.
• In‑depth knowledge of DeFi protocols, financial markets, and black‑swan events is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with profiling tools and performance optimization techniques.

• Salary Range: The reasonable annual base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000
  . Actual compensation is influenced by skill set, level of experience, and location.
• Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Work Model: Hybrid work model options.
• Development: Personalized professional development opportunities.

Due to the high volume of applications we anticipate, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. We genuinely appreciate your interest and wish you the best in your job search.

Commitment to Equality and Accessibility:

At MLabs, we are committed to offer equal opportunities to all candidates. We ensure no discrimination,…