Postdoc in Blockchain Analytics / Data Engineering

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.

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/

Your role

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:
  • 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

We offer two different career paths for research associates, depending on their interest in an academic or industry career:

• In our academic track, research associates focus on publications, research grants, teaching experience, and community involvement, while maintaining a close relationship with industry and government to secure access to rich research data
• In our industry track, research associates prepare for a career in industry, in a start-up, or public body while utilizing their previous theoretical knowledge. They will build relationships with our private and public partners, while having the freedom to pursue their own ideas in an innovative and dynamic environment.

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
• Strong background in statistical modeling and machine learning for transaction/network data, such as:
  • Time-series / temporal models; e.g. regime shifts, burst detection
  • Supervised and weakly-supervised learning under noisy labels
  • Unsupervised methods (clustering, representation learning) and outlier/anomaly detection
  • Familiarity with graph ML / GNNs is a plus
  • Research experience with blockchain and Web-3 data is a plus; e.g. Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, DeFi protocols
• Strong programming skills in at least one relevant language; e.g., Python, R, Rust, JavaScript)
• Interest in blockchain-related research topics such as 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
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English

What we are also looking for:

• 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
• A collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group
• The 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

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:

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.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

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)