Research Software Engineer - Tokenomics

IO Global; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading blockchain research company in the UK seeks an experienced Research Software Engineer to develop tools for tokenomics research. This role involves collaboration with researchers and requires strong software engineering skills and a background in Computer Science. Candidates should be near completion of an MSc or have relevant experience. The company promotes inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

New starter package for hardware essentials

Competitive PTO

Qualifications

• Close to completion or holds an MSc in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated publications in a related area.
• Experience in developing robust, reusable code.

Responsibilities

• Develop a robust toolset and simulation engine for tokenomics research.
• Collaborate with researchers on tokenomics dynamics.
• Contribute to writing research papers for academic venues.

Skills

Research background in Computer Science

Software engineering skills

Game-theoretic techniques

Machine learning methods

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Technical communication skills

Education

MSc in Computer Science or related

Job description

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IOG, is a technology company focused on blockchain research and development. We are renowned for our scientific approach to blockchain development, emphasizing peer-reviewed research and formal methods to ensure security, scalability, and sustainability.

Our projects include the Cardano blockchain, as well as other products in the areas of decentralized finance (DeFi), governance, and identity management, aiming to advance the capabilities and adoption of blockchain and Web3 technology globally.

What the role involves:

As an experienced Research Software Engineer (RSE), you will be responsible for developing a robust toolset and simulation engine to support research into tokenomics dynamics. The role involves applying game-theoretic techniques and exploring the use of AI and machine learning methods to model stakeholder incentives and improve the scalability and adaptivity of simulations. The RSE will contribute to the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of the project’s computational infrastructure, collaborate with researchers to enable large-scale experiments, and support the publication and open-sourcing of research outputs. The role requires working closely with the wider project team to ensure that all technical deliverables meet research and operational requirements. This role will work closely with leading researchers and developers and have opportunities to publish, present, and open-source their work.

• Set up and maintain the project’s compute infrastructure, ensuring it meets research and development needs.
• Collaborate with the project team on research related to tokenomics dynamics, contributing ideas for novel methodologies and frameworks.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other researchers, particularly on computational aspects.
• Enable large-scale research implementations and manage experiments effectively.
• Contribute to the writing of research papers and submissions to high-profile academic venues.
• Lead efforts to open source research code, ensuring usability and maintainability.
• Present outcomes and findings at international conferences, workshops, and community events.
• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as reasonably expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Requirements

Who you are:

• Close to completion or holds an MSc (or above) in Computer Science or a related technical subject (e.g., statistics, engineering).
• Strong research background in Computer Science or a relevant area, demonstrated by publications.
• Strong software engineering skills and experience developing robust, reusable code.
• Research experience in Computational Finance, Algorithmic Game Theory, and/or Machine Learning.
• Familiarity with AI methods relevant to tokenomics, such as Empirical Game-Theoretic Analysis or synthetic data generation.
• Able to clearly document technical work, contribute to research papers, prepare reports, and deliver presentations that communicate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Builds effective working relationships within the research team and with external stakeholders. Comfortable exchanging feedback, sharing expertise, and collaborating with colleagues.
• Demonstrates initiative and self-direction in managing tasks and priorities. Organises workload effectively to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills to design, test, and optimise complex software systems that support research objectives.
• Understands how to work in an academic or research-driven environment, contributing ideas and engaging constructively in research discussions.
• Brings an interest in open-sourcing code, reproducibility, and sharing research outputs with the wider community when appropriate.
• New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)
• Competitive PTO

At IOG, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and empowered to succeed. We welcome people of all backgrounds and ensure that employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and potential. Everyone is given equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.