Research & Data roadmap
People targeting research & data roles such as DeFi Analyst, Protocol Researcher, Onchain Data Analyst.
This is a lane-level planning guide, not a role-specific curriculum or a guaranteed path to a job. Starting point: Depth comes from definitions, caveats, and repeatable methods.
Milestones
Stage 1 of 5
Learn DeFi metrics and on-chain data limitations
Review criteria
The metric glossary should be reviewable by someone else: it names its assumptions, matches the stated task, and could stand as a small piece of evidence on its own.
Done when: You can produce the metric glossary without step-by-step guidance and could explain the decisions behind it.Stage 2 of 5
Analyze one protocol using primary sources
Review criteria
The research notes should be reviewable by someone else: it names its assumptions, matches the stated task, and could stand as a small piece of evidence on its own.
Done when: You can produce the research notes without step-by-step guidance and could explain the decisions behind it.Stage 3 of 5
Build one dashboard or spreadsheet model
Review criteria
The dashboard or model should be reviewable by someone else: it names its assumptions, matches the stated task, and could stand as a small piece of evidence on its own.
Done when: You can produce the dashboard or model without step-by-step guidance and could explain the decisions behind it.Stage 4 of 5
Write a risk-aware research memo
Review criteria
The memo with caveats should be reviewable by someone else: it names its assumptions, matches the stated task, and could stand as a small piece of evidence on its own.
Done when: You can produce the memo with caveats without step-by-step guidance and could explain the decisions behind it.Stage 5 of 5
Publish methodology and apply to analyst roles
Review criteria
The public research page should be reviewable by someone else: it names its assumptions, matches the stated task, and could stand as a small piece of evidence on its own.
Done when: You can produce the public research page without step-by-step guidance and could explain the decisions behind it.
Decision point after each milestone
After each milestone, check whether the output matches a role's proof standards on its role guide. If it does not, revisit the milestone before moving on; if a nearby role fits your evidence better, compare it before continuing.