Applied Cryptographer

The ZK Practice

The Zero-Knowledge Practice at OpenZeppelin is responsible for the execution and delivery of cryptography audits and circuit audits for the world’s leading web3 organizations and protocols. The team currently consists of security researchers, applied cryptographers and theoretical cryptographers who perform audits and advisory with direct client contact and conduct independent zk-research that culminates in academic publications [example], blog posts and conference talks.

We are now looking to expand this team by one additional applied cryptographer!

What you’ll be doing

• Hands-on line-by-line investigation of STARK/FRI source code to analyze the security of cryptographic components in support of succinct and/or zero-knowledge proofs for blockchain protocols.

• Theoretical investigations of cryptographic security based on a deep understanding of mathematical primitives (e.g. group order, secure hash functions, roots of unity, elliptic curve operations).

• Teaming up with other auditors to review Rust and/or Solidity code bases line by line to try to break them.

• Researching how to secure the implementation of new mathematical approaches or novel cryptography research available in academia.

• Educating the community about zero-knowledge technology and relevant security considerations through series of blog posts.

• Leading research and contributing to OpenZeppelin’s projects and knowledge bases.

• Training new team members in zero-knowledge technology.

• Speaking at ZK conferences around the world.

You have

• Academic knowledge in cryptography, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related fields.

• In-depth algorithmical and mathematical understanding of zero-knowledge proof systems and related cryptographic primitives, especially STARK/FRI.

• Experience implementing cryptographic components in one or more of: Rust, Go/Golang, Solidity.

• Intellectual curiosity and the capability to learn complex topics independently.

• An advanced English level and great communication skills (oral and written).

• The ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.

• Passion about the blockchain space and decentralization.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a distributed team.

Nice to have

• Experience analyzing the security of blockchain protocols.

• Experience contributing to a major ZK library (e.g. Halo2).

• In-depth knowledge of implementations of elliptic curve cryptography.

• Experience working with L2 scaling protocols or privacy applications.

• Experience participating in ZK-themed CTF competitions.

Logistics

Our interview process takes place on Zoom and tends to consist of the following stages:

• Recruiter call (45 minutes)

• Hiring Manager call (45 minutes)

• Team member interview (60 minutes)

• Paid work test (Lasting up to 10 days)

• Reference checks

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to provide assistance.