Molecule is at the heart of the Decentralized Science (DeSci) movement where biotech and blockchain meet to democratize scientific research, earning recognition and support from key figures in the web3 world, including Vitalik Buterin, Balaji, and Juan Benet. We're known for creating VitaDAO, the first and largest biotech DAO with more than $4m in funding deployed, bio.xyz, a vital hub supporting and building biotech DAOs, the IP-NFT, a protocol bringing rights to IP and R&D data on-chain, and IPTs, ERC-20 tokens minted from IP-NFTs to allow token holders to construct and cultivate valuable IP. We’ve also recently launched launchpad, a platform to launch, discover, and fund the best projects in DeSci. Over the past 24 months, we have raised $20 million to build the future of decentralized biotech. Join us and contribute to a future where scientific discovery is driven by web3. Your Role As a Protocol Engineer, you will be involved into development of a cutting-edge protocol layer that translates complex biotech intellectual property (IP) business processes into a decentralized, maintainable, and scalable solution. You'll be responsible for designing a licensing mechanism that facilitates automatic enforcement of distribution rules across multiple ecosystems, working with leading-edge technology, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver a comprehensive and functional solution. What You'll Be Doing Design Protocol: Develop a comprehensive architecture for a biotech IP protocol based on user research and business process requirements within the first six months. Implement Licensing Mechanisms: Build a protocol that enables automated licensing enforcement and distribution, ensuring scalability, interoperability, and security across chains. Co-Author Whitepaper: Collaborate with internal teams to co-author a whitepaper that communicates the vision, design, and practical applications of the Molecule protocol to external stakeholders and the broader community. What We’re Looking For Technical Expertise: Very strong working experience in blockchain. Deep technical knowledge of the EVM at the protocol level (understanding how the EVM actually works). Senior role for at least 3 years at a professional/well-known web3 company (Senior Engineer/Tech Lead/etc). Also has at least 8 years in software engineering. Protocol Contribution: Experience contributing to an ERC standard or similar blockchain protocol. Experience with many smart contracts (in Solidity ideally, but Solana or other chains is also acceptable), including token contracts (ERC721, ERC20, ERC1155, or the relevant solana/other chain standards), and some (or all) of these contracts have been audited and deployed to production. Ability to provide etherscan links to the deployed contracts. Cross-Chain Knowledge: In-depth understanding of competing blockchain standards and their ecosystems, with the ability to evaluate and implement solutions accordingly. Protocol Landscape: Deep understanding of the protocol landscape to assess “make or buy” decisions when designing new solutions. Backend Experience & Web3 Data Management: Experience developing robust backend systems that process, store, and manage blockchain data efficiently. Proficient in designing and implementing scalable architectures using cloud services, particularly AWS. Demonstrated ability to create efficient data pipelines, integrate blockchain nodes, capture on-chain data smart contract events, and optimize query performance for web3 applications. Familiarity with serverless computing, containerization, and microservices architecture in the context of blockchain data management. Background: Strong mathematical background, Ideally PHD or at least a Masters in a STEM/CS subject Tech stack: NodeJS, Rust or Go, Solidity. Extra bonus experience: Multi-party computation ZKProof Trusted Execution Environments Conference presentations/public speaking Contributions to open source software Experience of integrating with DeFi protocols, such as automatic market making protocols (Uniswap, SushiSwap etc) and an understanding of how these work at the protocol level. Other Requirements: Your geo location should be at least within a 5h travel window to/from Berlin and/or CET/-3 hours. You should have the ability to travel regularly and spontaneously for meetings and workshops as we believe that sometimes the best ideas happen when you are in the same room. You should have the ability to travel visa free to the Schengen Zone. Hiring Process Screening Call: Introduction with our Talent Acquisition Manager to discuss your background, role fit and other relevant criteria for this position. Main Interview: Technical deep-dive and competency-based discussion with hiring managers from your future team. Executive Interview: Conversation with somebody from the leadership team about alignment with Molecule's vision. Reference Checks: We will conduct two reference calls to verify past accomplishments. Offer Stage: Finalize your journey to join the team. Why Join Us? At Molecule, you’ll be part of an innovative, mission-driven startup that’s disrupting the world of decentralized science. If you’re passionate about pushing boundaries and creating real-world impact, this is your opportunity to shape the future of research and innovation. Here, you’ll work alongside a skilled, fast-paced team that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and bold ideas. You’ll be challenged, inspired, and empowered to bring your best work every day. HODL: You’re not just taking a job — you’re joining a movement. Every project you contribute to directly impacts the future of science and technology. WAGMI: We reward most full time positions with token equity and give you the opportunity to co-author future DeSci standards. Alpha: In our young, fast growing team, your voice matters. You’ll have the chance to shape not only your future but also the future of science research and innovation. If you’re ready to take on big challenges, work with brilliant minds, and create something that matters, LFG - Molecule is the right place for you We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equality and weaving a community that values diverse perspectives and experiences and are actively seeking a diverse pool of applicants. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.