Protocol Security Researcher
"About The Role"
About This Role
Aave Labs pioneered a borderless approach to finance, building the Aave Protocol into the backbone of modern DeFi. As a Protocol Security Researcher, you'll sit at the intersection of cryptography, distributed systems, and financial engineering—stress-testing the mechanisms that keep decentralized lending safe, resilient, and trustworthy at a global scale.
What You'll Be Doing
Conduct deep security reviews of smart contracts powering lending, borrowing, and credit markets across the protocol
Design and execute adversarial testing strategies to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors do
Analyze economic attack vectors unique to decentralized finance, including oracle manipulation, flash loan exploits, and liquidity risks
Collaborate with engineering, risk, and governance teams to harden protocol upgrades before deployment
Monitor emerging threats across the broader blockchain ecosystem and translate findings into actionable protocol improvements
Contribute to audits, bug bounty triage, and incident response processes
What We're Looking For
Proven experience auditing or securing smart contracts, ideally within DeFi or distributed ledger environments
Strong command of Solidity and familiarity with EVM internals
Deep understanding of common exploit patterns in decentralized protocols and crypto-economic systems
Analytical mindset with the ability to think like both an attacker and a defender
Excellent written communication skills for documenting findings and collaborating cross-functionally
Genuine passion for web3, open finance, and the future of trustless systems
Bonus Points
Experience with formal verification tools or fuzzing frameworks
Prior contributions to public audits, CTFs, or bug bounty programs in crypto
Familiarity with Aave or other major lending protocols
Background in financial risk modeling or tokenomics
Why Join Us
Competitive compensation with meaningful token and equity upside
A flexible, remote-friendly culture built on trust and autonomy
Direct impact on securing one of DeFi's most critical pieces of infrastructure
Opportunities to grow alongside leading researchers shaping the future of decentralized finance
Salary Range
$50,971.39 - $50,971.39
About Aave Labs
Aave Labs is at the forefront of decentralized finance (DeFi), building innovative protocols that are redefining how value is exchanged and managed across the globe. As the creators of the leading non-custodial liquidity protocol, Aave, we are committed to open-source development and empowering a more transparent, efficient, and accessible financial system. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in Web3, from pioneering flash loans to developing advanced governance mechanisms and exploring new frontiers in multi-chain interoperability. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a shared passion for the transformative power of blockchain technology. We are a fully remote, globally distributed team of engineers, researchers, and community builders who believe in radical ownership and continuous learning. At Aave Labs, you'll work alongside some of the brightest minds in crypto, contributing to projects that have a tangible impact on the future of finance. We foster an environment where bold ideas are encouraged, and every team member plays a crucial role in shaping the evolution of decentralized ecosystems. Joining Aave Labs means becoming part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to decentralization and financial inclusion. If you're eager to build foundational infrastructure for Web3, tackle complex technical challenges, and contribute to an open and permissionless future, your place is with us. We offer an unparalleled opportunity to innovate, grow your skills in a dynamic blockchain landscape, and contribute to a protocol used by millions worldwide. Come help us build the next generation of DeFi.
Ready to Apply?
To submit your application for this position, please visit Aave Labs's official website and follow their application process.