Open position: Senior Research Associate in Development of Blockchain-based Applications (for University of Cape Town Researchers)
Summary
Open Position: Senior Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher)
Research group: Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Group
Topic: Smart Contract Development and Blockchain Applications
Starting date: Upon agreement (preferably, 2025 Q2)
Duration: 1(+1) years, renewable based on performance and funding availability
About the Position We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct cutting-edge research smart contract development, and implementation for innovative applications and code analysis with the scope of on-chain data collection. The candidate would also be involved in teaching activities in these areas of competence.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop innovative smart contract solutions such as as decentralised finance, on-chain governance and inter-chain communication
- Analyse smart contract code to support efforts of data collection from onchain data
- Ability to independently propose and deploy smart contract solutions for projects
- Lead projects on smart contract integration and scalability
- Publish research findings in high-impact journals
- Collaborate with industry partners on practical applications
- Supervise graduate students in smart contract research
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, FinTech
- Strong programming skills in Solidity and other smart contract languages
- Experience with blockchain platforms and development tools
- Proven track record of research publications
- Excellent problem-solving abilities
- The call is open for Alumni of University of Cape Town as part of the strategic collaboration between the Universities. Applicants with strong demonstrable ties to UCT will also be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with multiple blockchain platforms
- Knowledge of formal verification methods
- Experience with DApp development
- Industry experience in smart contract development
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
- Decentralised Finance
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.
- Work at a World-leading research group in Blockchain and related areas of competence.
How To Apply
To be considered, applications must be sent by email to bdlt-office[at]ifi.uzh.ch with the title “[Application] BDLT – Postdoc - Senior Research Associate in Blockchain Development” 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).