Protocol Engineer

Molecule is at the heart of the Decentralized Science (DeSci) movement where biotech and blockchain meet to democratize scientific research, earning recognition and support from key figures in the web3 world, including Vitalik Buterin, Balaji, and Juan Benet. We're known for creating VitaDAO, the first and largest biotech DAO with more than $4m in funding deployed, bio.xyz, a vital hub supporting and building biotech DAOs, the IP-NFT, a protocol bringing rights to IP and R&D data on-chain, and IPTs, ERC-20 tokens minted from IP-NFTs to allow token holders to construct and cultivate valuable IP. We’ve also recently launched Catalyst, a platform to launch, discover, and fund the best projects in DeSci.

Over the past 24 months, we have raised $20+ million to build the future of decentralised biotech. Join us and contribute to a future where scientific discovery is driven by web3.

Your Role

As a Protocol Engineer, you will be involved into development of a cutting-edge protocol layer that translates complex biotech intellectual property (IP) business processes into a decentralized, maintainable, and scalable solution. You'll be responsible for designing a licensing mechanism that facilitates automatic enforcement of distribution rules across multiple ecosystems, working with leading-edge technology, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver a comprehensive and functional solution.

What You'll Be Doing 

• Design Protocol: Develop a comprehensive architecture for a biotech IP protocol based on user research and business process requirements within the first six months.

• Implement Licensing Mechanisms: Build a protocol that enables automated licensing enforcement and distribution, ensuring scalability, interoperability, and security across chains.

• Co-Author Whitepaper: Collaborate with internal teams to co-author a whitepaper that communicates the vision, design, and practical applications of the Molecule protocol to external stakeholders and the broader community.

What We’re Looking For

Core Competencies:

• Analytical: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify solutions that align with both technical requirements and business goals.

• Collaborative: Able to work across diverse teams and disciplines, ensuring smooth communication and alignment between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Technical Expertise:

• Blockchain Expertise: Previous experience deploying a substrate para-chain on Kusama, Polkadot, or an L2 consensus model on Ethereum.

• Protocol Contribution: Experience contributing to an ERC standard or similar blockchain protocol.

• Cross-Chain Knowledge: In-depth understanding of competing blockchain standards and their ecosystems, with the ability to evaluate and implement solutions accordingly.

• Protocol Landscape: Deep understanding of the protocol landscape to assess “make or buy” decisions when designing new solutions.

• Storage: Experience with blob storage and F-EVM storage deals, including encrypted data storage mechanisms and decentralized storage solutions.

Relationship Skills:

• Calm under pressure, with a proven ability to act proactively and with integrity in fast-moving environments.

• Strong work ethic with excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Team-oriented, persistent, and able to motivate others around a shared vision.

Other Requirements:

• Your geo location should be at least within a 5h travel window to/from Berlin and/or CET+/-3 hours.

• You should have the ability to travel regularly and spontaneously for meetings and workshops as we believe that sometimes the best ideas happen when you are in the same room.

• You should have the ability to travel visa free to the Schengen Zone.

  Hiring Process

  1. Screening Call: Introduction with our Talent Acquisition Manager to discuss your background, role fit and other relevant criteria for this position.

  2. Main Interview: Technical deep-dive and competency-based discussion with hiring managers from your future team.

  3. Executive Interview: Conversation with somebody from the leadership team about alignment with Molecule's vision.

  4. Reference Checks: We will conduct two reference calls to verify past accomplishments.

  5. Offer Stage: Finalize your journey to join the team.

Why Join Us?

At Molecule, you’ll be part of an innovative, mission-driven startup that’s disrupting the world of decentralized science. If you’re passionate about pushing boundaries and creating real-world impact, this is your opportunity to shape the future of research and innovation.

Here, you’ll work alongside a skilled, fast-paced team that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and bold ideas. You’ll be challenged, inspired, and empowered to bring your best work every day.

• HODL: You’re not just taking a job — you’re joining a movement. Every project you contribute to directly impacts the future of science and technology.

• WAGMI: We reward most full time positions with token equity and give you the opportunity to co-author future DeSci standards.

• Alpha: In our young, fast growing team, your voice matters. You’ll have the chance to shape not only your future but also the future of science research and innovation.

If you’re ready to take on big challenges, work with brilliant minds, and create something that matters, LFG - Molecule is the right place for you!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equality and weaving a community that values diverse perspectives and experiences and are actively seeking a diverse pool of applicants. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.