Remote Head of DeFi - Infrared Finance

Blockchain Works; Toronto; Remote; CAD 164,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading blockchain firm in Toronto is seeking a Head of DeFi to design and execute their DeFi strategy. This leadership role requires deep expertise in DeFi, product development, and protocol mechanics. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in enhancing liquidity and managing cross-functional teams. The position is crucial for driving innovation and expanding the firm’s presence in the DeFi ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in DeFi with experience in liquid staking and incentive design.
• Strong understanding of blockchain, especially Ethereum ecosystems.
• 5+ years in DeFi protocol design or related leadership.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the DeFi strategy for Infrared.
• Collaborate with smart contract engineers on product development.
• Optimize liquidity incentives for efficiency.

Skills

DeFi expertise

Blockchain architecture understanding

Governance structures in DeFi

Smart contracts (Solidity)

Analytical thinking

Team management

Job description

About the Role

As Head of DeFi, you will be responsible for designing and executing Infrared’s DeFi strategy, driving product development, optimizing protocol mechanics, and expanding our ecosystem. This is a leadership role for someone with deep expertise in DeFi mechanisms, protocol design, liquidity incentives, and economic modeling.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the DeFi strategy for Infrared, ensuring alignment with our core mission and broader market trends.
• Assist with product development and protocol design, working closely with smart contract engineers, product, and leadership.
• Optimize liquidity incentives and economic models to drive adoption and maximize efficiency across our liquid staking and PoL infrastructure.
• Assist with partnerships and integrations, collaborating with other protocols, liquidity providers, and institutional players to expand Infrared’s market presence.
• Stay ahead of DeFi trends, researching and implementing emerging models in PoL, staking, and governance innovations.
• Act as a thought leader, representing Infrared in the broader DeFi ecosystem through research, content, and participation in industry events.
• Stay updated with Berachain’s latest developments, governance, and protocol upgrades.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in DeFi, including experience with liquid staking, lending markets, AMMs, yield aggregation, and protocol incentive design.
• Strong understanding of blockchain architecture, particularly Ethereum ecosystems.
• Experience working with governance structures in DeFi
• Technical knowledge of smart contracts (Solidity) and experience collaborating with engineering teams.
• Proven ability to optimize liquidity mechanisms, bootstrap network effects, and structure effective incentive programs.
• 5+ years of experience in DeFi protocol design, product leadership, or a similar role within a top-tier crypto project.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and adapt to fast-evolving market conditions.
• Experience managing teams or working cross-functionally with engineering, product, and growth teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a founder, co-founder, or leadership role at a DeFi protocol or Web3 project.
• Deep familiarity with Berachain and the Proof of Liquidity model.
• Experience running validators, liquid staking derivatives (LSDs), or protocol-owned liquidity strategies.
• Hands-on experience with economic modelling and simulations for protocol incentive structures.