Head of Global Blockchain Research & Development

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Head of Global Blockchain Research & Development to lead a talented team focused on cutting-edge blockchain technologies. This role is pivotal in defining the organization's R&D strategy and delivering world-class blockchain products. You will work alongside mathematicians and software engineers to foster collaboration and drive innovation. With a strong emphasis on ZKP technology and advanced cryptography, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of blockchain applications. If you are passionate about technology and eager to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Hybrid work structure

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive workplace

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of technical experience in public blockchain development.
• Proven ability to provide thought leadership in blockchain technology.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute blockchain R&D strategy for innovative products.
• Manage R&D team to develop new blockchain privacy and scalability technologies.

Skills

ZKP Mathematics

Software Engineering

Cryptography

Blockchain Development

Strong Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

PhD in STEM

Relevant Experience

Tools

Rust

Ethereum

Solidity

Job description

Head of Global Blockchain Research & Development

Location: London

Other locations: Anywhere in Region

Date: Apr 2, 2025

Requisition ID: 1595430

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.

Disruption is changing the way the world works. It’s happening quickly and it creates opportunity if you can keep up and even get ahead of it. That’s why we established a dedicated Global Innovation team focused on understanding external forces changing our world and how to do things differently.

In this shifting landscape, we challenge ourselves to embrace disruption and think differently for our clients by combining the deep experience of our global Tax, Accounting, Advisory and Transactions professionals with start-up thinking.

The opportunity

You will be a key member of our Global Blockchain Leadership team, an innovative and collaborative group of software engineers, cryptographers, mathematicians, and business strategists who are dedicated to the application of blockchain technology and the development of world-class products. As Head of Blockchain Research and Development, you will lead a world-class team of mathematicians and software engineers, working to deliver cutting-edge EY Blockchain products.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Work as a member of the Global Blockchain leadership team to define the long and short business goals.
• Define and execute the organization’s blockchain research and development strategy, contributing to cutting-edge EY Blockchain Products.
• Manage and support the R&D team to develop new blockchain privacy and scalability technologies.
• Be a thought leader in blockchain and zero knowledge proof (ZKP) technology.
• Work with the individual Product Owners for each development team to support their technical roadmaps.
• Foster a culture of collaboration across product teams and other functions.
• Provide input to the budgeting process for the R&D team.
• Be aware of wider developments in the field and adjust your strategic approach accordingly.
• Ensure that the R&D team delivery is compliant with the firm’s standards for quality, risk management, and independence.
• Set performance-based KPIs for the team and drive technical and R&D effectiveness.

Blockchain Technology is a complex emerging capability. You must have a love of learning and experimentation with new technologies and a passion for learning by doing and leading by example.

This is not purely a management role. You will also be expected to have the technical skills and understanding necessary to be a thought leader in the field and to make contributions as part of the R&D team.

Analytical/Decision Making Responsibilities:

• Lead by example promoting a proactive approach to identifying issues and presenting solutions.
• Encourage and support innovation in others.
• Ability to clearly articulate both problems and proposed solutions.
• Create an inclusive and flexible environment.
• Ability to prioritize personal and team workloads to meet organizational objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction.

To qualify for the role you must have and showcase experience / knowledge:

• ZKP Mathematics: Develop and use the mathematics of elliptic curve pairing, KZG commitment schemes, and other state-of-the-art ZKP technology.
• Proven ability to provide thought leadership in this field.
• Development: Program advanced mathematics in Rust.
• Software engineering: Design and manage the delivery of a ZKP-enabled blockchain application.
• Cryptography: Knowledge of hashes, PKCS standards, X509, signatures, and elliptic curve cryptography.
• STEM background, likely PhD qualified, though relevant experience is acceptable.
• Understand the volatile nature of the blockchain industry.
• Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Blockchain: Understand the Ethereum blockchain, EIPs, Tokens, and advanced Solidity programming.
• 10-15 years of technical work experience in public blockchain development.

Other Requirements:

• We follow a hybrid work structure, and the resource is expected to work from the London office 2-3 days a week.
• Occasional work-related travel to other locations.

Job Requirements:

Ideally, you’ll also have:

Passion for technology and applying it to business solutions with a strong interest in blockchain.

What we look for:

We’re interested in self-motivated individuals with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize shifting workloads. If you’re passionate about problem-solving and helping our clients with complex issues, this role is for you.

What we offer you:

At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. Learn more.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create an equitable and inclusive experience during the recruitment process, please inform us about any disability-related adjustments or accommodations you may need.

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