DeFi Protocol Research Analyst

About Zero2Launch

Zero2Launch is a premier blockchain startup launchpad and venture studio based in Singapore, with a global footprint. We specialize in identifying, incubating, and launching high-potential Web3 projects. With deep roots in the Asian market and an expanding presence in Europe, we provide end-to-end support from technical advisory and security audits to marketing and exchange listings. We are committed to bringing institutional-grade diligence to early-stage crypto investments.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly technical and analytical DeFi Protocol Research Analyst based in Sweden to lead our fundamental analysis of decentralized finance protocols. You will be responsible for evaluating the sustainability, security, and economic viability of DeFi projects (DEXs, Lending, Derivatives, Yield Aggregators, RWA) before they are listed on our launchpad.

This is not a trading role. It is a deep-dive research position where you will dissect smart contract logic, analyze on-chain data, and model token economics to ensure that only robust, sustainable protocols reach our investors. You will serve as the technical gatekeeper, protecting the reputation of Zero2Launch by identifying risks that others might miss.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundamental Protocol Analysis: Conduct comprehensive due diligence on DeFi protocols. Evaluate core mechanics, oracle dependencies, liquidity depth, and competitive moats.
• On-Chain Data Investigation: Use tools like Dune Analytics, Nansen, DefiLlama, and Etherscan to verify TVL sources, user retention, whale activity, and protocol revenue. Distinguish between organic growth and incentivized farming.
• Tokenomics & Value Accrual Modeling: Analyze how value flows within the protocol. Assess the sustainability of yield sources, inflation rates, vesting schedules, and governance mechanisms. Identify "ponzinomic" structures or unsustainable emission curves.
• Smart Contract Risk Assessment: Review audit reports from top-tier firms (OpenZeppelin, CertiK, Trail of Bits). Perform basic code reviews to understand logic flows and identify potential red flags (e.g., admin keys, upgradeability risks).
• Competitive Landscape Mapping: Benchmark prospective projects against existing leaders (e.g., Aave, Uniswap, MakerDAO) to assess product-market fit and differentiation.
• Investment Memos: Produce detailed, data-driven investment memorandums for the Investment Committee, highlighting technical risks, financial projections, and strategic rationale.
• Post-Investment Monitoring: Track the health of portfolio DeFi protocols, monitoring governance proposals, parameter changes, and security incidents.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in DeFi research, quantitative analysis, or smart contract development. Experience in traditional finance (quant/structurer) transitioning to crypto is also welcome.
• Technical Depth: Deep understanding of DeFi primitives (AMMs, Lending Pools, Perps, Options, Liquid Staking). Ability to read Solidity/Vyper code and understand audit reports.
• Data Proficiency: Advanced skills in SQL (for Dune Analytics) and Excel/Google Sheets (for financial modeling). Experience with Python for data scraping/analysis is a strong plus.
• Analytical Mindset: Skeptical and detail-oriented. You assume every project is guilty until proven innocent by data.
• Communication: Fluent English (written and spoken). Ability to explain complex DeFi mechanics to non-technical stakeholders clearly. Swedish is a plus for local networking.
• Location: Must be based in Sweden (due to tax/legal structure and time zone alignment with European markets).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: €100,000 - €150,000 EUR per year paid in Fiat or Stablecoins (USDC) where compliant.
• Performance Bonus: Annual bonus tied to the accuracy of risk assessments and successful identification of high-quality deals.
• Tech & Learning Budget: Access to premium data tools (Nansen, Token Terminal, Messari) and conferences (EthCC, Devcon).