We're looking for a skilled Research Scientist to join our team, where you'll play a crucial role in powering a new verifiable Internet. We’re accepting applicants for all levels of seniority. As a Research Scientist, you'll be a member of the Science Team and conduct research on fields related to developing verifiable computation, e.g., zero-knowledge proofs, distributed systems, compilers, or high performance computing. You will publish research in top tier venues and collaborate with the Engineering Team to implement and deploy it.
About Nexus
The Nexus Project is a scientific and engineering effort bringing truth to the field of computation. We’re bringing to life a new form of compute: verifiable computation, powered by open science and open-source software so it can benefit everyone. Our work aims to bring to life decades of advancements in zero-knowledge cryptography, achieved by many scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, into a single software system.
Nexus raised $25M in Series A funding , co-led by Lightspeed and Pantera, with participation from Dragonfly, SV Angel and more.
Our team consists of some of the world's top cryptographers, mathematicians, and engineers, all working together with one goal: to unite the world's computers and prove humanity's computations.
We are headquartered at the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, and this role will be in-person, with the rest of the Nexus team.
Job Overview
Nexus is seeking a Research Scientist to join our Science Team. You will play a critical role in inventing and developing the next generations of the Nexus zkVM and prover network to reach a performance goal of 1 trillion proved CPU cycles per second.
Responsibilities
Invent new techniques related to verifiable computation
Publish and present research in top tier venues
Collaborate with engineers to implement and deploy your research
Identify new applications of verifiable computations
Support the organization in communicating its research and technology to a wide audience
Requirements
PhD in Computer Science or related fields
Deep understanding of zero-knowledge proofs, distributed systems, high performance computing, or other fields that can contribute to Nexus’ mission
Proven track record of publications in top-tier venues (see csrankings.org for indications of top tier)
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a passion for innovation and building impactful applications
Excellent communication skills
Bonus Points
Experience with Rust programming
Contributions to user-facing applications
Strong industry understanding of verifiable computation
Benefits
Competitive salary and generous equity compensation
Health insurance for employees and their dependents
Lunch and dinner provided at the office
Company-paid travel to events and conferences