Senior Researcher, Systems

About the role

This Senior Researcher role at Category Labs involves tackling high-impact problems in decentralized technology, with a specific focus on databases and operating systems. The work includes designing performant algorithms and architectures for storage or recovery, applicable in both single-node and distributed environments. This position is central to enhancing the core software of Monad, a high-performance, EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain.

The team at Category Labs, formerly Monad Labs, is composed of systems engineers and researchers dedicated to advancing decentralized technology. They develop core software components such as a parallel-execution EVM, a custom state database, and a BFT consensus client, all of which are open source. As a Senior Researcher, you will contribute to this mission, working on solutions that aim to significantly improve existing blockchain capabilities.

Success in this role means making meaningful contributions to a fast-paced environment by researching new architectures and writing production-grade code. The ideal candidate will be resourceful, self-motivated, and collaborative, with a deep curiosity about lower-level system details. The goal is to build high-value, performant, and distributed systems that contribute to the company's ambitious objectives in the blockchain space.

The salary for this position ranges from $180,000 to $250,000 USD annually.

Skills that matter here

• C++: This role requires writing production-grade code primarily in C++ for core system development.
• clang: Experience with clang is expected for compiling and analyzing C++ code within the development environment.
• LLVM: Knowledge of LLVM is relevant for understanding and potentially optimizing compiler toolchains used in system development.
• gdb: Debugging complex systems will involve using gdb to identify and resolve issues in C++ code.
• perf: The role involves designing performant algorithms, requiring the use of tools like perf for performance analysis and optimization.
• unix: Work will be conducted in a Unix-like environment, necessitating familiarity with its command-line tools and operating principles.

Who this role suits

• A person with a PhD in Computer Science or equivalent, coupled with significant research experience in databases or operating systems.
• Someone who enjoys designing performant algorithms and architectures, and has a track record of writing production-grade code.
• An individual who is resourceful, self-motivated, and collaborative, thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• A candidate with a strong curiosity about lower-level system details and an interest in building high-value, performant, and distributed systems.

From the employer

What You Will Do

• Designing performant algorithms and architectures related to storage or recovery, in single-node or distributed environments.
• Researching new architectures
• Tech stack: C++, clang, LLVM, gdb, perf, unix, git

Who You Are

• PhD in Computer Science or equivalent
• Significant research experience into databases or operating systems
• Experience writing performant algorithms
• Experience writing production-grade code
• Resourceful and self-motivated
• Collaborative
• Adaptive; able to make meaningful contributions in a fast-paced environment
• Curious about lower-level system details
• Interested in building high-value, performant and distributed systems

Why Work with Us

• Challenging problems: You’ll work on extremely challenging problems with massive impact. See our [Blogs](https://www.category.xyz/blogs) and [Publications & Talks](https://www.category.xyz/papers-talks) for a flavor of the problems we are solving in the real world.
• Huge opportunity: The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) standard is ubiquitous, but existing EVM-compatible chains are very slow. Monad’s core innovations offer developers the best of both worlds (portability and performance) and are a game-changer for mass user adoption in crypto.
• The right team: You’ll be part of a small, exceptional team (engineers and researchers make up 90% of the team).
• Open by default: Our core software is public on GitHub. You’ll build in the open, and your work ships where the whole ecosystem can see it.
• Culture: We’re a lean team working together to achieve very ambitious goals. We are united in our culture of collaboration, low ego, and high-quality output. As an early member of our team, you’ll help to shape our culture.
• Compensation: You’ll receive a competitive salary and equity package.
• Resources and growth: We’re well-capitalized, with [backing](https://x.com/monad_xyz/status/1777687376136982767) from leading venture funds like Paradigm, Electric Capital, Greenoaks, Dragonfly, and Coinbase Ventures. We keep a lean team, and this is a rare opportunity to join. You’ll learn a lot and grow as our company scales.