Open position: Senior Research Associate in Blockchain Data Engineering
Summary
Open Position: Senior Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher)
Research group: Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Group
Topic: Blockchain Data Engineering
Starting date: Upon agreement (preferably, 2025 Q2)
Duration: 1 year, renewable based on performance and funding availability
About the Position We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead research initiatives in blockchain data collection and management. The position focuses on developing innovative solutions for large-scale blockchain data analytics and management systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development and management of blockchain data facilities, including collection and storage systems
- Design, build, and maintain data pipelines to collect datasets for analysis on blockchain platforms
- Conduct research on blockchain data transparency and integrity mechanisms
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on blockchain analytics projects
- Mentor graduate students and supervise research activities
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields
- Strong background in blockchain data collection and management
- Strong experience in data engineering, including database management and large-scale data processing
- Ability to develop solutions independently based on project goals, with experience in blockchain analytics
- Strong publication record in relevant fields
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with various blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot)
- Knowledge of cryptographic systems and data security
- Background in distributed database and cloud systems
- Experience with large-scale data processing
About Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Group
The group takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding blockchain systems as complex socioeconomic-technical networks. These systems demonstrate sophisticated emergent properties across multiple dimensions: technical consensus, social trust, and economic power distribution.
Our research recognises that blockchain systems' large-scale characteristics emerge from the continuous interactions between diverse agents operating under specific protocols and rules. We employ sophisticated data analytics and targeted modelling to uncover the fundamental mechanisms driving these emergent properties.
Core Research Areas
- Blockchain Analytics
- Cryptoeconomics and Incentive Design
- Consensus Modeling and Analysis
- DeFi
Our complex systems methodology lets us decode how micro-level interactions lead to macro-scale system properties. As pioneers in interdisciplinary blockchain research, we maintain strong collaborations with leading platforms and institutions, bridging theoretical insights with practical applications.
What We Offer
- Work at a World-leading research group in Blockchain and related areas of competence
- A team with a strong emphasis on quantitative yet applied research.
- The opportunity to work at the frontier of a disruptive interdisciplinary research field.
- Working in close collaboration with Industry in a leading Worldwide Blockchain Hub.
- A broad-range, independent work as part of a dynamic team in a positive working atmosphere.
- A thorough career development programme (management by objectives, participation and organisation in summer schools, conferences, etc.).
- A well-equipped workspace in an excellent university with an international reputation.
- A competitive salary.
- A good work-life balance.
How To Apply
To be considered, applications must be sent by email to bdlt-office[at]ifi.uzh.ch with the title “[Application] Postdoc - Senior Research Associate in Blockchain Data Engineering”, enclosing the following:
- Current CV
- University degrees
- Statement of interests and ideas (ca. one page) in the topic of application and how it relates to the BDLT Group
- Name and contact details of two referees
- One Recommendation letter
Further enquiries can be sent to Prof. Dr Claudio J. Tessone (claudio.tessone[at]uzh.ch).