This is a permanently open position. While we may not always be actively hiring, we continuously seek exceptional talent. If we are not actively searching, the selection process is more competitive, but we encourage applications from outstanding candidates at any time.
About the Robust Incentives Group (RIG)
The Ethereum Foundation (EF) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Ethereum to ensure its long-term success. As part of this mission, EF Research (EFR) is a collection of research teams, including the Robust Incentives Group (RIG). At RIG, we work on the protocol architecture and mechanisms through the lens of game theory, mechanism design, using formal methods, and empirical analysis. While our research has an economic focus, our work is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing insights from economics, computer science, cryptography, and distributed systems. We work and collaborate across these fields to find ways to improve Ethereum. This includes both longer-term foundational research and more immediate proposals for Ethereum mainnet upgrades—
with a bias towards the latter.
Our team has contributed to major protocol upgrades such as EIP-1559, the switch to Proof-of-Stake, finding and mitigating attack vectors, out-of-protocol markets for block construction and MEV, and many other efforts. At RIG you will be at the forefront of these conversations. Alongside brilliant researchers, EF collaborators, and the broader Ethereum community you will take part in a dynamic research environment. You will not just be a participant—you will be in the driver’s seat to push Ethereum forward.
Role Overview
We are looking for an exceptional Protocol Architecture research scientist for the Robust Incentives Group. This role is a permanently open position—we are continually looking for the right talent.
In this role, you will have high agency in defining and pursuing research that directly improves Ethereum. You will work closely with researchers, Ethereum core devs, industry experts, and academics on topics such as fee mechanisms, PoS economics, market structure, scaling execution and data of Ethereum, and more. The work is inherently interdisciplinary, demanding a deep sense of curiosity and the ability to think across fields such as economics, distributed systems, and cryptography. You should be able to synthesize theoretical insights with real-world constraints, designing mechanisms that are both rigorous and practical.
If this resonates with you, we would be happy to hear from you—even if you're not sure how it might into your current plans. To apply, submit a CV, cover letter, or any other material highlighting your facility with the above work. We prioritize tangible outputs such as writings, papers, or code repositories.
