DeFi Protocol Researcher

About us

Organized in 2018, NUTS Finance is a blockchain development lab focused on building secure, composable and open source technology to enable financial applications on the blockchain. Backed by industry leading investors and and partners, our goal is to deliver the working elements that shape the emerging crypto economy.

About the role

We are looking for a DeFi Researcher to help shape the future of cross-chain lending markets. You will conduct in-depth research into decentralized lending protocols, analyze economic models, assess system design and collaborate with engineers to push the boundaries of decentralized financial primitives. Your work will be instrumental in driving innovation, informing key decisions, and educating internal and external stakeholders.

What you’ll do

• Analyze & Evaluate – Dive deep into protocol mechanisms, economic models, and design trade-offs in DeFi lending markets.
• Innovate & Build – Research emerging DeFi protocols to identify and develop new financial products and primitives.
• Collaborate & Architect – Work closely with the protocol engineering team to design, spec, and implement research-driven solutions.
• Educate & Communicate – Translate complex protocol designs into clear, digestible documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead & Inform – Serve as an educational resource, keeping the team ahead of DeFi trends, innovations, and risks.

What we’re looking for

• Deep knowledge of DeFi and traditional finance products – You understand the space, the trends, and what works (and what doesn’t).
• Strong research and analytical abilities – You can break down complex systems and see the bigger picture.
• High agency & adaptability – You take initiative, learn fast, and thrive under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills – You can explain technical concepts, solutions, and architectures with clarity.
• Foundational knowledge of math, economics, or computer science – You understand the mechanics behind DeFi.
• Open-minded & endlessly curious – You seek out new ideas and never stop learning.

Nice to haves

• Experience contributing to or working with open-source blockchain projects.
• Hands-on experience with smart contracts, protocol governance, or economic modeling.
• Background in game theory, mechanism design, or cryptography.
• A passion for hacking, building, and challenging the status quo.

Details that matter

• We’re a Startup, Not a Corporation – If you need rigid processes, big teams, or layers of management, we’re probably not for you. We move fast, adapt quickly, and value impact over process.
• High Agency – No one is here to micromanage. You should be able to take ownership, solve problems, and drive things forward with minimal guidance.
• We Value Execution Over Theory – Ideas are great, but getting things built and shipped is what actually matters.
• Adaptability – Things change quickly, and we need people who can pivot, iterate, and embrace the unknown.
• We’re Remote-Friendly, but Highly Collaborative – Communication is key.
• Competitive Token Incentives