Research Intern, Summer 2027
Category Labs · New York
About this role
## Category Labs — Research Intern (Summer 2027) **Category Labs (formerly Monad Labs)** is a team of systems engineers and researchers building at the frontier of decentralized technology. After raising **$225M (Series A)** led by **Paradigm**, we’re growing our team behind **Monad**, a high-performance, EVM-compatible Layer 1. We develop core open-source software, including: - **Parallel-execution EVM**: https://github.com/category-labs/monad - **Custom state database** - **BFT consensus client**: https://github.com/category-labs/monad-bft --- ## The Role We’re hiring **Summer Research Interns** to pursue advanced research in: - Mechanism design - Cryptoeconomics - Distributed systems - Programming languages - Cryptography - Governance You’ll have the opportunity to: - Conduct **novel, rigorous research** - Contribute to **technical publications** (peer-reviewed papers, blog posts, white papers) - Partner with engineering to build **prototypes, run simulations, and design experiments** - Engage with researchers and team members to refine ideas and share insights - Propose and pursue **your own projects** **Past intern work (examples):** - *A Private RPC for Public Blockchains*: https://www.category.xyz/blogs/a-private-rpc-for-public-blockchains - *Timing Games in Responsive Consensus Protocols*: https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.25144 - *On the Geographic Incentives of Multiple Concurrent Proposers*: https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.33958 --- ## Who You Are - Currently enrolled in a **PhD program** in CS, economics, math, social sciences, or related field (exceptional MS/undergrad students also considered) - Passionate about decentralized systems with enough foundation to contribute quickly - Clear communication skills—able to explain complex ideas simply - A strong research vision aligned with Category Labs’ mission - Collaborative, self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to tackle hard problems --- ## Why Work With Us - **Challenging problems** with real-world impact - **Huge opportunity**: Monad aims to bring **EVM portability + performance** to mass adoption - **Small, exceptional team** (engineers and researchers ~90%) - **Open by default**: core software is public on GitHub - **Culture**: lean, low-ego, high-quality output - **Compensation**: competitive pay + **housing support** --- ## AI Expectations We’re an **AI-native team** and expect researchers to use AI and adapt as the technology evolves. - AI is **leverage**, not a crutch—stand behind correctness and quality - You must **understand** AI output before sharing it - Any output you couldn’t review must be **clearly marked** --- ## Internship Details - Duration: **~12 weeks**, **May 17 – August 30** - **NYC residency strongly preferred** (not required) - Anticipated rate: **$4,500/week** + **$500/week housing stipend** (or corporate housing) - Pay may vary based on experience and scope --- ## Application & Timeline Include: - Resume/CV - **1–2 letters of recommendation** (optional but recommended) Recommenders should email letters to **recruiting@category.xyz** with the subject: - **"[name of the applicant], Research Intern 2027"** **Full consideration deadline:** **December 7, 2026** --- ## Visa & Work Authorization International applicants are welcome. Visa/work authorization support is considered **case-by-case**—please include your current status and location in your application.
Listing freshness
CronJobs last confirmed this listing 2h ago. If its source stops confirming the opening for seven days, this page is removed from active inventory.