Research Associate in DAO Research
Open Position: Research Associate (PhD Student)
Start Date: Flexible (target Q3 2024)
Duration: Yearly Contract, up to three years
Overview
Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) represent a paradigm shift in organizational structures, moving away from traditional hierarchical control to decentralized approaches, leveraging blockchain and cryptoeconomics. These organizations manage significant assets and build global networks, enhancing societal organization through the collective intelligence of diverse and empowered decentralized communities. However, DAOs face challenges like declining participation, rising centralization, and adaptation issues, which can impede innovation and eventually their success.
Role Description
The successful candidate will undertake a detailed analysis of the challenges DAOs face, pinpoint their underlying causes, and devise and test effective solutions. Responsibilities include collecting data on blockchain-based DAOs, applying network science analytics, identifying key factors influencing success and failure, and developing and testing new strategies through agent-based modeling simulations. The appointed candidate will support teaching activities and group services of the Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies research group and mentor Bachelor and Master students in topics in her/his area of competence.
Qualifications
Applicants should hold an excellent degree (MA/MSc/Diploma) in the areas of knowledge related to Computational Social Science, Complexity Science, Computer Science, or Economics. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: DAOs, blockchain, opinion formation, digital democracy, cryptoeconomics, voting mechanisms, epidemic models, self-organization, or complex systems. Also a familiarity with Network-science-based methodologies and agent-based modeling, or a keen interest in rapidly acquiring such knowledge is expected.
Other requirements are: (i) Good command of programming languages such as Python/R for data analysis; (ii) Very good command of English (oral and written) and excellent communication skills. Our group prioritises developing exciting new research and creating real world applications in cooperation with organisations. Candidates who demonstrate a track record of completing high quality and innovative research will be privileged. Curiosity and discipline, self-reliance, integrity, and creativity are mandatory attributes.
Context and Additional Responsibilities
This work will be conducted in the context of the “Decentralised Decision-Making in DAOs - Learnings for Digital Democracy” project in collaboration with the University of Albany, UZH Centre for Democracy Studies Aarau, and the ZHAW Institute for Organizational Viability. The candidate will facilitate the success of this collaboration by leading project responsibilities. Further, the candidate will contribute to the teaching and mentorship activities of the Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies group, guiding both Bachelor’s and Master’s students in related subjects.
Offer
- A team with strong emphasis on quantitative yet applied research.
- The opportunity to complete a PhD in Computer Science or Management and Economics.
- The opportunity to work at BDLT, a renowned, highly interdisciplinary group working at the edge of a disruptive research field.
- A thorough career development programme (management by objectives, participation in summer schools, conferences, etc.).
- A well-equipped workspace in an excellent university with international reputation.
- A competitive salary.
- A good work-life balance.
How to apply
Further enquires can be sent to Prof. Dr Claudio J. Tessone (address below).
To be considered, applications must be sent by email, enclosing the following:
(i) A current CV;
(ii) University degrees;
(iii) A statement of interests and ideas (one page, max);
(iv) The name and contact details of two referees.
Address your correspondence with subject “[UZH-BCC - PhD Application]” to Claudio Tessone and Nicolò Vallarano at [email protected], with [email protected].
The Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Group
The group is at the core of the UZH Blockchain Center, focusing on an interdisciplinary approach to Blockchain and DLT systems. We stand that these systems are paramount examples of complex socio-economic and socio-technical systems. The large-scale properties they evince (consensus at the technical level, trust at the social level, wealth, and power accumulation at the economic level) are non-trivial properties that can only be understood by comprehending the link between micro-level behaviour of the multiple, heterogeneous agents that compose them, and their continuous interactions and rules they must abide. To achieve these goals, we perform large-scale data analysis, minimalistic modelling aimed at uncovering mechanisms behind regularities observed.
The core research lines of the group include: Blockchain Analytics, Cryptoeconomics and Incentive Design, Consensus Modelling and Analysis. We do so by following complex systems approaches which allow us to understand the mechanisms that drive the emergence of large-scale properties in the systems under study. As such, we are a leading research groups for interdisciplinary approaches to the field, with multiple collaborations with leading platforms in the space.
Similar Positions
-
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Blockchain, University of Sydney, Australia, about 5 hours ago
Full time, 2 years fixed term opportunity. Located at the Faculty of Engineering on the Darlington Campus Opportunity to contribute to the research and culture at the School of Computer Science, a...
-
Research Assistant In The Center For Technology And Economic Development (Blockchain Project), NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, 17 days ago
4 Jun 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI Research Field Computer science Economics Mathematics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Resear...
-
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, University College Dublin, Ireland, 25 days ago
27 May 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company University College Dublin Department School of Computer Science, UCD Research Field All Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country...
-
Research Fellow, University of Surrey, United Kingdom, 2 days ago
View All Vacancies Computer Science Location: Guildford Salary: £36,024 to £39,347 per annum Post Type: Full Time Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 28 June 2024 Interview Date: Friday 05 J...
-
Post Doctoral Research Fellow In Decentralised Digital Economy (De Ca De), University of Surrey, United Kingdom, 6 days ago
View All Vacancies Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Location: Guildford Salary: £14,410 to £17,705 per annum pro rata (0.4 FTE/2 days a week) Fixed Term Contract until 30/09/2025 Po...
-
Post Doctoral Research Associate (Pdra) Ramona Epsrc Project, University of Surrey, United Kingdom, 17 days ago
View All Vacancies Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Location: Guildford Salary: £36,024 to £44,263 per annum depending on experience Fixed Term Contract until 30/09/2024 Post Type: ...