Web3 PhD Jobs in Manhattan, United States

About the CompanyFounded in 2018 by professors of Yale University and Columbia University, CertiK is a pioneer in blockchain security, utilizing best-in-class AI technology to secure and monitor blockchain protocols and smart contracts. CertiK’s mission is to secure the cyber world. Starting with blockchain, CertiK applies cutting-edge innovations from academia into enterprise, enabling mission-critical applications to be built with security and correctness. CertiK is one of the fastest growing and most trusted companies in blockchain security and has become a true market leader. Our clients include leading projects such as Aave, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, Yearn, and Chiliz. Our investors include top VCs like Tiger Global, Coatue Management, Shunwei Capital and Hillhouse Capital as well as industry leaders like Coinbase Ventures and Binance.About the PositionThe primary focus of this role is to pioneer the development of an intelligent AI agent powered by large language models (LLMs) to enhance our security audit tools in the blockchain space. As a Blockchain Security Expert intern, you will work closely with our blockchain security team to bridge cutting-edge academic research with practical applications. Your efforts will be dedicated to designing, fine-tuning, and integrating LLM-driven AI agents that automatically analyze smart contracts and identify potential vulnerabilities. In this role, you'll be immersed in research and experimentation, exploring new methods to improve threat detection and risk assessment within our security audit platform, thereby directly contributing to more secure blockchain infrastructures.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with our blockchain security team to design and implement a large language model (LLM)-based AI agent for security audit tools.
• Experiment with novel AI techniques to enhance threat detection and risk assessment in blockchain environments.
• Assist in transforming cutting-edge research on AI agents into practical, scalable security auditing solutions.
• Continuously research emerging trends in LLMs, AI agent architectures, and cybersecurity, and proactively propose improvements.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on machine learning, natural language processing, and/or cybersecurity.
• Deep understanding of LLM architectures (e.g., transformers) and hands-on experience in training or fine-tuning such models.
• Proficiency in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow).
• Basic familiarity with blockchain technology and smart contract development is a plus.
• Excellent analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Bonus Points

• Prior research or project experience in developing AI agents or automated security analysis tools.
• Exposure to security audit methodologies and vulnerability assessment, particularly in blockchain or smart contract environments.
• Familiarity with blockchain programming languages (e.g., Solidity) and platforms (e.g., Ethereum).
• Publications or contributions to leading conferences/journals in AI, NLP, or cybersecurity.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research insights into effective, production-ready tools.

Target monthly salary for this role performed is $6,000 - $8,000 if based in the US. The exact compensation at which this job is filled will be determined by the skills and experience of qualified candidates.CertiK accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis. CertiK is proud to offer medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) plan with company matching, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, HSA (with high deductible plan), FSA, and other benefits to all full-time employees, along with flexible paid time off and holidays. CertiK also offers a variable commission program for business development sales roles. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. CertiK is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. CertiK will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local and federal requirements. All CertiK employees are expected to actively support diversity on their teams, and in the Company.