Research Intern, Summer 2027

Category Labs • New York, NY

8h

About The Position

Category Labs is hiring Summer Research Interns to conduct advanced research in mechanism design, cryptoeconomics, distributed systems, programming languages, cryptography, governance, and other relevant areas. Interns will work on challenges arising from building a high-performance, EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain and explore new directions enabled by decentralized systems. Interns may also propose their own research projects.

The internship is an opportunity to advance the science and technology underlying decentralized systems while contributing to work intended to have real-world impact. Interns will learn from Category Labs researchers, engineers, and fellow interns and contribute as independent, equal peers. Depending on availability and project needs, the internship may be extended into part-time employment and could lead to future collaborations.

The internship runs for roughly 12 weeks between May 17 and August 30, 2027. Residency in New York City is strongly preferred but not required. The anticipated rate is $4,500 per week, plus a $500 per week housing stipend or corporate housing; pay may vary based on experience and scope. International applicants are welcome, and visa and work authorization support will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in computer science, economics, mathematics, the social sciences, or a related field; exceptional master’s and undergraduate students will also be considered.
• Passion for decentralized systems and sufficient foundational knowledge to contribute effectively.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms and make research accessible to a broader audience.
• A clear research vision and the drive to pursue innovative ideas aligned with Category Labs’ mission.
• Collaborative, self-motivated, and adaptable approach, with eagerness to tackle hard problems and learn new concepts quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Understand and review AI-generated output before sharing it with collaborators; mark any output that has not been reviewed.

Nice To Haves

• Residency in New York City is strongly preferred but not required.
• One or two letters of recommendation are optional but recommended.

Responsibilities

• Conduct novel, rigorous research on relevant topics, including mechanism design, cryptoeconomics, distributed systems, programming languages, cryptography, and governance.
• Contribute to technical publications, including peer-reviewed papers, blog posts, and white papers.
• Partner with the engineering team to build prototypes, run simulations, and design experiments to test models and assumptions.
• Engage with team members and visiting researchers to refine ideas and share insights from your work.
• Use AI as part of the research process while reviewing and taking responsibility for the correctness and quality of any work shared with collaborators.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of an anticipated $4,500 per week, varying based on experience and scope.
• Housing support through a $500 per week stipend or corporate housing.
• Opportunity to learn and grow as the company scales.
• Potential for future collaborations.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed