Quantstamp is looking for an appliedcryptographer. Quantstamp often deals with a wide range ofcryptographic problems, including reviewing implementations andtackling new theoretical problems using cryptography. For example,Quantstamp regularly receives requests to review code bases whicheither invoke or implement (custom) cryptography, as part of anaudit.
Zero knowledgeapplications are becoming more common across all ecosystems, andthis kind of math will also soon be the basis of several scalingsolutions - in particular, zero knowledge rollups. Theseapplications often use a zero-knowledge Succinct Non-interactiveArgument of Knowledge (zk-SNARK) proof system, or a zero-knowledgeSuccinct Transparent Argument of Knowledge (zk-STARK) proofsystem.
Your day-to-day workwill involve doing research about various cryptographic protocols.Some protocols of interest will be those found in the code of ouraudit clients, others will be protocols of interest for futureaudits. In particular, in anticipation of audits of, or for,zero-knowledge rollup systems, you’ll be asked tounderstand various zero-knowledge proof systems. There are a lot ofthose - we don’t expect mastery in all of them, butmastery of at least one would be ideal.
You may be asked to compare and understandsystems you’re not familiar with, and you should becomfortable doing this. Ideally you have a strong theoreticalbackground but can also read and write code (the specific languageis not too important). You will talk to other researchers withinthe company and may be asked to talk to clients directly, in atechnical capacity.
Required:
- Masteryof at least one zk-SNARK/zk-STARK proof system, or a strong enoughtechnical background to understand one (and this should have somedirect connection to cryptography)
- Ability tocode and develop software. You should have experience with at leastone major language, like Python, Java, or C; the exact language isnot too important. You should be familiar with versioning software(specifically, GitHub), testing, and a familiarity with algorithmsand data structures.
- Ability to read andinterpret academic papers
- Ability tocommunicate ideas
- Partial availability (2-6h)during EST work hours to allow for communication with theteam.
Nice toHave:
- Familiarity with existing ZKRollup designs
- Familiarity with multiple ZKproof systems
- Strong codingability
- Knowledge of software development inSolidity, including testing and various development frameworks likeHardhat.
- Familiarity with blockchainecosystems, particularly Ethereum
- Familiaritywith Circom for writing zero knowledgecircuits
Compensation &Perks:
- Competitive compensationpackage (commensurate to experience) + performance and referralbonuses.
- 100% remote and flexible workinghours.
- Work from anywhere in theworld.
- Generous paid time off, includingmaternity/paternity leave.
- Retirement/pensionplan.
- Equity.
- Rent your owndesk in a co-working space or work from anywhere at anytime.
- Free gym membership or any virtualalternative of your choice.
- Learn about thehottest and newest products and trends in the crypto space beforethey appear on any news outlets.
- Join quarterlyall-expenses-paid retreats in exotic/exclusive locations with theteam.