PostDoc in Blockchain Analytics and Data Engineering

University of Luxembourg

Luxembourg

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About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

Your role

Successful candidates will join the young, vibrant, and interdisciplinary FINATRAX Research Group, which builds bridges between business research and information systems engineering. The group conducts research on the application and the impact of digital technologies on organisations in the private and public sectors. Our team consists of international researchers with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, information systems, economics, management, law, and other fields, united in pursuit of sustainable technologies that positively impact society. For more information, please visit our website: www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/finatrax/

In the context of Prof. Fridgen's PayPal-FNR PEARL Research Grant and the FutureFinTech National Centre of Excellence in Research and Innovation, the successful candidate will work at the intersection of data science, blockchain technology, and financial crime prevention, performing the following tasks:

• Conduct and supervise cutting-edge interdisciplinary research building on the analysis of large-scale blockchain data. This will include, but is not limited to:
  • Designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable pipelines that ingest raw on-chain data (blocks, transactions, smart-contract events) from public blockchains into research-grade databases
  • Developing statistical, graph, and/or machine learning models to study transaction networks, illicit transaction patterns, and DeFi protocol operations
  • Creating and evaluating tools, documentation, and open datasets
• Collaborate with researchers in law, finance and economics on topics such as governance, regulatory compliance (e.g., MiCA Regulation, AML/CTF), sustainability, and digital identity
• Disseminate results by publishing in highly-ranked outlets in information systems and computer science
• Communicate and work with governmental stakeholders, analytics vendors, and financial institutions to gather requirements, obtain datasets, and validate results
• Manage research projects and deliverables, as well as prepare research proposals to attract public and private funding
• Mentor and supervise PhD students and student assistants working on related topics

For further information, please contact both, and

Your profile

• PhD in Information Systems, Computer/Data Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
• Experience in publishing high-quality research, as demonstrated research under review or published in well-ranked conferences and journals
• Research experience with blockchain and Web-3 data (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, DeFi protocols)
• Strong programming skills in at least one relevant language (e.g., Python, R, Rust, JavaScript)
• Familiarity with smart contract interaction (e.g., web3.py/ethers.js, Solidity/Vyper, sub-graph indexing), and local development/testing frameworks such as Hardhat, Truffle, and Ganache
• Basic knowledge of blockchain APIs or analytics platforms (e.g., Dune, Nansen, Graph, Arkham)
• Interest in blockchain-related research topics such as token-economic design and incentive mechanisms, DeFi protocol mechanics, on-chain privacy techniques (e.g., mixers, zero-knowledge proofs), and the relevant regulatory landscape (e.g., AML/CFT, MiCA)
• Willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary context and develop a set of interdisciplinary methods (i.e., dealing with both qualitative and quantitative data)
• Interest in engaging with stakeholders active in financial regulation, compliance and supervision.
• Collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group
• Commitment to participate in the design and implementation of high-quality solutions that solve significant problems
• Prior experience in publishing high-quality and high-impact research (including publications in top-tier journals and conference proceedings)
• Fluent written and verbal communication in English

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications, written in English, should include:

• A cover letter including:
  • A research statement and a list of topics of particular interest to the candidate (250 words)
  • A statement on the candidate's personal motivation for applying (250 words)
  • A strategy for the acquisition of research grants and industry partnerships (250 words)
• Full CV, including work experience and a list of publications
• Up to 3 publications in full-text, authored by the candidate
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff. Should candidates present equivalent profiles, preference will be given to female candidates in all departments where gender parity is not yet achieved.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07697

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).