Work with the blockchain security team to design, fine-tune, and integrate LLM-based AI agents that automatically analyze smart contracts, improve threat detection and risk assessment, and translate research into scalable security auditing tools.
About the Company
Founded 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 Position
The 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.
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
All CertiK employees are expected to actively support diversity on their teams, and in the Company.
Similar Jobs
Fintech • Financial Services
Lead the design and execution of global total rewards programs, including compensation bands, benefits strategy, equity and incentive plans, job leveling, pay equity, and annual compensation cycles. Advise executives, HR business partners, and talent acquisition using market data, financial modeling, and internal equity analysis. Optimize total rewards systems and programs across a growing global organization.
Top Skills:
CandoriqPavePayscaleRippling
Healthtech
Build and maintain Customer Success and Implementation playbooks, SOPs, training programs, knowledge bases, presentation materials, and scalable workflows. Partner cross-functionally to communicate process and product changes, improve automation and efficiency, identify customer risks, and measure enablement effectiveness. Support implementation, launch readiness, customer health, escalations, business reviews, renewals, and expansion.
Top Skills:
NotionSalesforce
AdTech • Digital Media • Marketing Tech • Mobile
Own full-cycle global recruiting for technical, product, sales, business, and operational roles. Source and evaluate candidates, advise hiring managers, manage interview processes, and maintain hiring momentum. Oversee recruiting vendors and a global sales consultant program, including contracts, onboarding, CRM tracking, documentation, and follow-up. The role requires independent judgment, strong communication, business acumen, discretion, and experience working across time zones in a distributed company.
Top Skills:
CRM
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
