Distributed Systems PhD Internship

About Layer N:

Layer N is the first hyper-performant and horizontally scalable blockchain network designed to enable trustless computing at internet scale. Layer N is a multi-tenant L2 blockchain: a network of independently-scalable custom execution environments powered by a shared peer-to-peer communication layer.

Layer N is designed to expand what’s possible to build in web3 by optimizing compute, latency, and UX, all while enabling seamless composability between applications in its network.

Layer N is comprised of a team spanning backgrounds from Harvard, CMU, DFINITY, Google, VMWare, Galaxy Digital, and more, and is backed by top-tier institutions like Founders Fund, Kraken Ventures, SALT, Amber Group, and more.

Position Overview:

This Distributed Systems PhD internship opportunity at Layer N offers a dynamic environment for aspiring researchers to contribute to cutting-edge blockchain projects in computer science and related fields. As part of our team, you'll leverage your expertise in distributed systems, networking, parallel computing, and relational databases to build highly scalable software systems primarily using C++ and Rust. Your responsibilities will include analyzing existing systems, proposing design alternatives, implementing detailed monitoring solutions, and addressing specific challenges across various products. You will write real software and collaborate with a selected group of experienced software development engineers who help on projects that matter to the Layer N ecosystem.

Requirements:

• Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related fields at time of application

• Experience with C++, Rust, or Python, and Relational Database, Optimization Mathematics, Linear Program or Nonlinear Optimization

• Experience with Distributed Systems, Networking, Parallel Computing, Relational Databases, or Cloud Computing 

• Research in the areas of:  low latency consensus and agreement in blockchain context, novel methods of proving attesting blockchain state, trust minimized p2p networks, verifiable storage for blockchain model, or compiling/tooling for AI ZK workloads

• Adept at handling ambiguous or undefined problems as well as ability to think abstractly

• Ability to communicate complex research in a clear, precise, and actionable manner

• Active participation in Bitcoin/Ethereum/Blockchain projects or the open-source community is highly desirable