How to Switch from Smart Contract Development to zkRollup Research
How do I move from smart contract development into zkRollup research? I understand smart contracts and the basics of blockchain. Still, I want to go deeper into zero-knowledge proofs and get into the research side, especially since there are more jobs opening up at big blockchain protocols.
Before I apply anywhere, I want to make sure I know what I’m talking about and understand what these research roles actually expect.
Do you really need a PhD to get into zkRollup research, or can you break in with strong practical experience and the right skills? Are there any courses, certifications, or resources that people in the industry actually value for this kind of work?
Also, what’s the usual interview process like for research roles in this space, and how can someone with a development background stand out as an expert?
If anyone here has made this switch or has advice, I’d appreciate your thoughts.