Senior Researcher
Vigil Markets
Senior Researcher
Vigil Markets
Privacy-preserving crypto spot exchange for institutions
Vigil Markets is on a mission to re-imagine how financial exchanges work from first principles to deliver fair order execution to the masses. We're building an exchange that lets our customers focus on their trades instead of focusing on the idiosyncrasies of the exchange.
Founded by customer-obsessed engineers and researchers, we love tackling tough technical challenges. Our small, incredibly strong team thrives on solving impactful problems in a fast-paced environment.
Perform cutting-edge research in market microstructure, mechanism design, and/or differential privacy.
Be a part of research breakthroughs with opportunities to realize your ideas in our products and services.
Produce simulations and papers to present findings at academic conferences (e.g. EC, WINE).
We’re seeking exceptional people who:
Are pursuing a Doctorate in Economics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
Have published academic papers in conferences like EC or WINE.
Exhibit excellent communication and collaboration skills. We value teamwork and prefer working with talented contributors over working solo.
Thrive in an in-person environment at our Flatiron office.
Doctorate in Economics, Computer Science, or related field.
Track record of academic papers in conferences like EC or WINE.
Extensive background in market microstructure, mechanism design, and/or differential privacy.
We're building a team of passionate, talented researchers who share our vision. To achieve this, we're creating a workplace where you're trusted, empowered, and well-compensated.
Location: Our Flatiron office offers free catered lunch daily. We're looking for NYC-based candidates or those willing to relocate (we cover costs). We also cover commuter expenses.
Compensation: Highly competitive salary with startup equity. The target compensation for this role is $225,000-$300,000, with the final offer amount potentially varying based on experience and job-related skills.
Time Off: Unlimited PTO with flexible sick, family, and mental health leave (minimum 4 weeks).
Healthcare: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Vigil Markets, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Privacy-preserving crypto spot exchange for institutions
Vigil Markets runs a cryptographically secured spot exchange that protects institutional traders by keeping order-book data private. It uses private, cryptographic matching algorithms to enable configurable privacy for orders while still executing trades on a single venue, consolidating liquidity from multiple trading partners. The platform is custody-agnostic and centrally cleared, reducing counterparty risk and easing settlements, and it integrates with major custodians such as Fidelity Digital Assets, Copper, BitGo, and Fireblocks. Based in New York City and founded by engineers and researchers, Vigil Markets focuses on high-throughput, low-latency trading across digital assets and financial instruments, with strong emphasis on compliance, risk management, and audit-ready real-time reporting. The goal is to provide fair order execution and improved returns for institutional clients by balancing privacy with efficient, reliable market access, aiming to launch in 2026.
Explore more opportunities at Vigil Markets