How should I handle an interview loop where I'm further along than I expected but the role scope is still unclear?

Keep going. When a company is still figuring out the exact role, they're often more flexible — on title, scope, and compensation. The fact that they've continued investing time in you means they see potential. Ask clarifying questions in each conversation: "Help me understand how you'd define success for this role in the first 90 days." This gives you information and signals that you're thinking like someone who's already in the job. If they raise the compensation mismatch, don't close the door. Instead: "I appreciate you sharing that — I'd love to keep exploring and see if there's a path that works for both of us." A company that's rethinking a role around your skills is actually a better negotiating position than a rigid open req.