CoW DAO is on a mission to protect Ethereum users from MEV and optimize trade execution across DeFi. We achieve this through the CoW Protocol, CoW Swap (a leading intent-based DEX aggregator), and the innovative MEV Blocker, which together help secure, aggregate, and route trades for optimal outcomes. We also fund values-aligned projects via the CoW Grants Program.

About the Role

Location: We are a fully remote team, and although we hire almost globally, there is a preference for this 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 looking for a Lead Researcher to shape the future of decentralization, order flow, solver competition, and auction mechanisms at CoW DAO.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong applied research background (not purely academic) and who has led research teams or major projects in the blockchain space.

You’ll tackle complex challenges, see your work directly influence live protocol, and stay on top of emerging DeFi trends to help our products remain innovative and competitive.

What you’ll be doing

Drive research efforts around decentralization of the CoW Protocol, solver competition, and mechanism evolution.
Lead and manage the research team, providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight for ongoing projects.
Maintain a hands-on mindset, directly engaging with protocol challenges, experimentation, and modeling.
Collaborate with product and engineering to align research with strategic goals and roadmap priorities.
Stay informed on emerging DeFi and blockchain trends to keep CoW Protocol ahead of the curve.
Communicate insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, helping the team make data-driven decisions.

What we’re looking for

Deep applied research experience in blockchain, DeFi, crypto-economics, or related fields.
Proven leadership and management skills. Experience mentoring, managing, or leading research teams or projects.
Strong product ownership and project management abilities, comfortable contributing to strategy, roadmap planning, and cross-team collaboration.
Pragmatic approach - you don’t just theorize; you drive research that results in shipped products or live systems.
Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data, research tools, or on-chain experimentation.
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse, international, remote team.
Web3-native mindset, keeping up with the latest on-chain trends, advancements, and research.

What we can offer

Flexible work environment: Join our hub in Lisbon or work remotely
Token plan: Have a stake in our mission and shape the future of CoW DAO
Periodic gatherings: Enjoy opportunities to connect with the rest of the team through regular trips
Conference allocation: Stay up-to-date with ecosystem advancements using our conference budget
Learning budget: Use our learning budget to support your higher ambitions
Hardware budget: Take advantage of a hardware budget for acquiring necessary equipment
Make an impact: You are joining a startup where you can make a huge difference. Your work matters!
Flat hierarchies mean fewer processes and bureaucracy - see more of your ideas come to life!
Flexible work and vacation times: Prioritize work-life balance through our robust flexible work policy and vacation allowance
Growth: If you’re someone who loves taking the initiative and getting things done, CoW offers lots of opportunities for your individual growth

Referral Program

Earn 6.000 USDC or USD with the refer-to-earn program. More details here.

Culture

Life within the CoW Protocol is an incredible adventure! We take pride in our collaborative approach, embracing autonomy and fostering a culture of big thinking and continuous growth. We value impact, ownership, simplicity, and team spirit. Plus, we're all about feedback, coming together, and enjoying the journey along the way!

Research Team Lead

EMEA

Remote

Mid-level

COW DAO