Director of Research - Remote Role at Stellar Development Foundation

About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Research to join the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) in a remote capacity. This role is pivotal in advancing open technology that supports equitable access to the global financial system. As a Director of Research, you will guide the expansion of our scientific and technological research efforts, ensuring that they align with our mission of building a more inclusive financial future.

What You'll Do

• Shape the research vision by defining and leading a long-term scientific research agenda that supports SDF’s mission.
• Identify mission-aligned applied challenges and foundational open problems to guide internal research and community engagement.
• Foster deep academic and industry collaboration by building strong partnerships with top researchers, labs, and institutions.
• Oversee a portfolio of research efforts ranging from mission-critical applications to exploratory investigations in cryptography and distributed systems.
• Recruit and develop a diverse group of research scientists and applied researchers, creating a supportive environment for various perspectives and research styles.
• Translate research insights into real-world impact, ensuring that outcomes inform product strategy and protocol development.
• Engage with the global research community by representing SDF at conferences and contributing to the discourse on decentralized systems.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Cryptography, Distributed Systems, or a related field.
• 10+ years of research experience in academia or industry, with a strong track record of high-impact contributions.
• Demonstrated experience leading research programs or teams, including strategy setting and managing multi-year initiatives.
• Strong communication skills to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Commitment to mentoring and fostering a collaborative research culture.

Nice to Have

• Experience in both academic and applied research settings.
• Familiarity with open-source software development practices.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and institutions.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary range of $210,000 - $365,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental & vision coverage with most plans covered at 100% for employees and dependents.
• Flexible time off plus 15 company holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Gym reimbursement and wellness benefits.
• Learning and development budget of $1,500/year.
• Daily lunch and snacks in the office.
• Company retreats to foster team collaboration.