About Katana

The Katana Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating the best DeFi experience for all types of users. Incubated by Polygon Labs and GSR, Katana Network is a purpose-built DeFi chain that aligns applications, users, and chain revenue to deliver deep liquidity and sustainable high yields. The network uses innovative mechanisms including VaultBridge, Chain-Owned Liquidity, and concentrated protocol deployment to maximize value for active users rather than extracting it. By taking an opinionated approach to DeFi infrastructure, Katana enables superior capital efficiency and user experience compared to traditional blockchain designs.

Your Role

As a DeFi R&D Specialist on the Katana team, you will help shape the strategic direction of a DeFi-optimized Layer 2 blockchain incubated by Polygon Labs. If you’re a DeFi-native who thrives at the intersection of research, business development, and protocol operations, this role is for you.

You’ll drive ecosystem growth by identifying high-impact protocol integrations, forming strategic theses, and collaborating cross-functionally with product, ops, and engineering. This is a hybrid R&D and BD role designed for someone who reads vault code for fun and knows how to turn insights into traction.

Your Responsibilities

DeFi Research and Strategy

• Track and create emerging DeFi mechanisms and ecosystems across L1s and L2s, surfacing new opportunities for Katana.

• Produce high-signal internal memos, public research, and social content to shape Katana’s positioning.

• Evaluate protocol primitives, TVL potential, and strategic fit with Katana’s vault infrastructure.

• Analyze protocol data and onchain activity to inform recommendations and ecosystem strategy.

• Collaborate with the team on vault design, incentive modeling, and architecture reviews.

Protocol Business Development

• Lead discovery, evaluation, and onboarding of DeFi-native applications (e.g., Sushiswap, Morpho-style vaults).

• Manage relationships across the full integration lifecycle, from deal sourcing through post-launch growth.

• Partner with product and engineering to ensure seamless deployments and user experience.

• Support go-to-market efforts in collaboration with marketing, comms, and ops teams.

• Represent Katana at major DeFi conferences and community events globally.
  

What You’ll Need

• 2–5 years of experience in DeFi, ideally in protocol BD, strategy, or research/operations roles.

• Deep familiarity with DeFi primitives such as lending, DEXs, derivatives, and vaults.

• Demonstrated ability to produce strong research or public thought leadership (e.g., Twitter, blog posts).

• Experience evaluating protocols and working cross-functionally with product, engineering, or marketing.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable managing pipelines and partners independently.

• Willingness to travel periodically for industry conferences and team offsites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with protocol design, simulations, or DeFi infrastructure platforms (e.g., Gauntlet, Morpho).

• Background in account management or client-facing roles within Web3.

• Familiarity with consumer DeFi UX or product teams.

• Strategic mindset with a history of ecosystem impact or portfolio growth.

Katana Perks

• Remote first global workforce

• Industry leading Medical, Dental and Vision health insurance*

• Company matching 401k with 3% match*

• $1,500 Home Office Set Up Allowance (life-time max)

• $200 Annual Book Allowance Program

• $75 Monthly internet or phone reimbursement

• Flexible Time Off

• 1 company wide wellness Friday day off per quarter

• Company issued laptop

• Egg freezing, mental health, and employee wellness benefits

*In certain countries medical, dental and vision is fully covered for employees & their dependents. This is country and plan specific.
*401k is for United States employees only


Katana is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Katana is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process and applicants with a disability may request to be accommodated throughout the recruitment process. We will work with all applicants to accommodate their individual accessibility needs.

If you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.