Université de Neuchâtel/Swiss National Science Foundation
ENG
PHD POSITIONS
Blockchain and distributed systems research at Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Two open PhD positions
The provisional application deadline is 01.12.2026. Expected start: 01.02.2027. Contact the project team for applications and enquiries.
The Institute of Computer Science invites applications for two fully funded PhD positions within CIRCULA – Expiry-Aware System Design for Blockchains, a four-year project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
The first PhD focuses on the technical design, implementation and evaluation of expiry-aware distributed systems.
Formal and executable modelling of expiry, renewal and recovery.
Blockchain and distributed-system protocol design, consensus, ledger and state management.
Conformance testing and machine-checkable properties.
Minimal single- or multi-node prototypes and controlled experimentation.
Performance, networking, storage and resource analysis; reproducible cluster and cloud workflows.
Relevant backgrounds include distributed systems, blockchain, computer systems, networking, software engineering, formal methods and security. AI-enabled systems, AI-assisted testing, modern cryptography and quantum-safe technologies are welcome where relevant to the research direction.
PHD 2 / DEPLOYABILITY
Blockchain deployability, digital economy & socio-technical validation.
The second PhD focuses on deployability and quantitative validation of expiry-aware mechanisms, including economic, operational and institutional constraints.
Operationalising blockchain and digital-asset use cases.
Translating real-world constraints into explicit system assumptions and measurable variables.
Defining scenarios, baselines, enforcement layers and evaluation methods.
Studying auditability, recovery, transparency and contestability.
Quantitative analysis of incentives, market organisation, adoption and digital-asset behaviour.
Agent-based modelling, simulation and data-driven validation.
Relevant backgrounds include computer science, data science, computational economics, information systems, financial engineering, computational social science, digital assets and fintech. Digital economics, cryptoeconomics, financial infrastructures, autonomous agents and AI-supported simulation are particularly relevant.
Research environment
Research software, distributed-system experimentation, formal modelling, quantitative analysis and cluster/cloud deployment. University infrastructure includes GPU- and SGX/TDX-capable resources.
Familiarity with a selection of these technologies and a willingness to develop further skills are welcome.
Candidate profile
A Master Degree in Computer Science, or strongly related one, is required. We look for strong analytical skills, programming and/or quantitative research experience, the ability to work independently and discuss methods and findings within the research team, an interest in experimental reproducibility, and strong written and spoken English.
Nice to have: French at CEFR B2 level or above.
Applicants may indicate a preference for PhD 1 or PhD 2, or state that they have no preference and wish to be considered for both. Strong expertise in a subset of the areas, combined with willingness to develop the remaining skills, is compatible with the positions.
Application materials
Combine all application materials into one PDF and email it to valerio.schiavoni@unine.ch with the subject “CIRCULA PhD Application”. Use this exact subject for your application.
CV and motivation letter describing research interests and, if applicable, the preferred PhD profile.
Academic transcripts and Master’s thesis or equivalent research, if available.
Publications, preprints, software or GitHub/GitLab projects, if applicable.
A time-bounded assignment may combine open questions, a compact technical task, problem analysis and a personal research idea. Standard development and AI-assisted tools may be used with substantial use disclosed; candidates must explain and defend their submission.
