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Department of Informatics Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies

Open position: PhD in Cryptoeconomics / Tokenomics in blockchain-based systems (for University of Cape Town students)

Summary 

Open Position: Research Associate (Doctoral Researcher) 

Research group: Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Group 

Topic: Cryptoeconomics and Tokenomics 

Starting date: Upon agreement (preferably, 2025 Q2) 

Duration: Yearly contract for 3(+1) years, renewable based on performance and funding availability 

About the Position 

The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of blockchain technology, economics, and game theory. The focus will be on designing, analysing, and optimising economic mechanisms in blockchain-based systems while collaborating with industry partners to bridge theoretical research and real-world applications. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct original research in cryptoeconomics, token engineering, and incentive mechanisms for blockchain-based systems. 
  • Develop mathematical and computational models for simulating and analysing various economic properties of blockchain-based systems. 
  • Design and evaluate token economies and governance models for decentralised applications (DeFi, DAOs, NFTs, etc.). 
  • Publish high-quality research in leading journals and conferences. 
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, developers, and industry partners. 
  • Present findings at academic conferences and workshops. 
  • Mentor undergraduate students and supervise research activities. 

Required Qualifications 

  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Economics, FinTech and Financial Innovation, Mathematics, or a related field from the University of Cape Town. 
  • Strong background in game theory, mechanism design, microeconomics, or cryptographic protocols. 
  • Proficiency in mathematical modelling, data analysis, and programming (Python, R, etc.). 
  • Experience with blockchain technologies and smart contracts is a plus. 
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as in a team. 
  • 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 various blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot) 
  • Knowledge of consensus mechanism and on-chain governance. 

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] BDLT – PhD - Cryptoeconomics”, enclosing the following: 

  1. Current CV 
  2. University degrees 
  3. A cover letter outlining their motivation, research interests, and relevant experience. 
  4. Recommendation letter 
  5. A proposal (1 page) of intended research related to cryptoeconomics and/or tokenomics 

Further enquiries can be sent to Prof. Dr Claudio J. Tessone (claudio.tessone[at]uzh.ch).