Research Team Lead

About CoW DAO

CoW DAO is dedicated to protecting Ethereum users from MEV and optimizing trade execution across DeFi. This is achieved through the CoW Protocol, CoW Swap (a leading intent-based DEX aggregator), and the innovative MEV Blocker, which collectively secure, aggregate, and route trades for optimal outcomes. We also support values-aligned projects via the CoW Grants Program.

The CoW Protocol consistently ranks among the top DEX aggregators by monthly volume and stands as the largest intent-based exchange. Our MEV Blocker provides protection against harmful MEV extraction and is widely integrated across the Ethereum ecosystem. Furthermore, the CoW AMM is uniquely designed to safeguard liquidity providers from LVR (loss-versus-rebalancing).

With over 100 open-source repositories on GitHub, CoW DAO operates with transparency, driven by its community and a deep commitment to the open-source ethos. Our real-time Dune Analytics dashboard highlights billions in cumulative trading volume and a rapidly expanding user base. As we continue to expand, CoW DAO remains at the forefront of DeFi innovation, with a strong focus on security, efficiency, and decentralization.

Learn more about CoW DAO.

About The Research Team Lead Role

Location: We are a fully remote team, and while we hire almost globally, there is a preference for this Research Team Lead role to be based in Europe or remote +/- 4 hours CEST time. Please note we’re not hiring from the United States, Australia, or New Zealand.

Position: Full-time contractor

We are seeking a Lead Researcher to significantly influence the future of decentralization, order flow, solver competition, and auction mechanisms at CoW DAO.

This role is ideal for candidates with a strong applied research background (not purely academic) and demonstrated experience leading research teams or significant projects within the blockchain space.

You will be instrumental in tackling complex challenges, seeing your work directly impact our live protocol, and staying abreast of emerging DeFi trends to ensure our products maintain innovation and competitiveness.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drive pivotal research efforts concerning the decentralization of the CoW Protocol, solver competition, and the evolution of its mechanisms.
• Lead and manage the dedicated research team, offering crucial mentorship, guidance, and comprehensive oversight for ongoing projects.
• Maintain a hands-on approach, directly engaging with protocol challenges, conducting experimentation, and developing robust models.
• Collaborate effectively with product and engineering teams to align research initiatives with strategic goals and roadmap priorities.
• Stay thoroughly informed on emerging DeFi and blockchain trends to ensure CoW Protocol remains innovative and competitive.
• Clearly communicate complex insights to both technical and non-technical audiences, facilitating data-driven decision-making across the team.

What We’re Looking For

• Deep applied research experience within blockchain, DeFi, crypto-economics, or closely related fields.
• Proven leadership and management capabilities, with a track record of mentoring, managing, or leading research teams or significant projects.
• Strong product ownership and project management skills, comfortable contributing to strategy, roadmap planning, and cross-team collaboration.
• A pragmatic approach, evidenced by driving research that directly results in shipped products or live systems, not just theoretical concepts.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in working with data, research tools, and conducting on-chain experimentation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse, international, and remote team environment.
• A Web3-native mindset, actively keeping up with the latest on-chain trends, advancements, and cutting-edge research.

What We Can Offer

• Flexible work environment: Join our hub in Lisbon or work remotely.
• Token plan: Have a direct stake in our mission and help shape the future of CoW DAO.
• Periodic gatherings: Enjoy opportunities to connect with the rest of the team through regular company trips.
• Conference allocation: Stay updated with ecosystem advancements using our dedicated conference budget.
• Learning budget: Utilize our learning budget to support your higher ambitions and professional development.
• Hardware budget: Take advantage of a hardware budget for acquiring necessary equipment.
• Make an impact: You are joining a startup where your work can make a huge difference, ensuring your contributions matter.
• Flat hierarchies: Benefit from fewer processes and bureaucracy, allowing more of your ideas to come to life.
• Flexible work and vacation times: Prioritize work-life balance through our robust flexible work policy and generous vacation allowance.
• Growth: If you thrive on taking initiative and achieving results, CoW DAO offers significant opportunities for individual growth.

Culture

Life within the CoW Protocol is an incredible adventure! We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, embracing autonomy and fostering a culture of big thinking and continuous growth. We deeply value impact, ownership, simplicity, and team spirit. Moreover, we are all about open feedback, coming together, and truly enjoying the journey along the way!

At CoW Protocol, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering environment for everyone. We believe that our diverse backgrounds and experiences enrich our products and services. All qualified applicants are considered for positions regardless of race, ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, marital status, gender identification, sexual orientation, or physical ability.

Key skills/competency

• Applied Research
• Blockchain
• DeFi
• Crypto-economics
• Leadership
• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Web3
• Mechanism Design
• Decentralization