Vacancy – PhD position on Cryptocurrencies

Vacancy – PhD position on Cryptocurrencies
Project
Despite the soaring popularity of Bitcoin, there exists an increasing need for knowledge, especially with
respect to the financial and monetary economics foundations of cryptocurrencies. This project will bring
together expertise in financial monetary economics and solid understanding of the technical underpinnings
of cryptocurrencies. Our grand objective is to investigate the fundamental factors that determine whether
and how digital currencies such as Bitcoin could eventually become a prevalent monetary system. Hereto,
we will emphasize on studying the inflationary nature, developing strategies to build cryptocurrency
ecosystems with banking functionality, proposing parameterization of viable cryptocurrency-based
monetary systems, and outlining implications for policy makers and regulators.
The PhD position is funded through an FWO research project (FWO-G.0555.15N) titled “Will Bitcoin
become the new Dollar? Understanding the fundamental factors of cryptocurrencies’ prevalence.”
Profile
The project is inherently multidisciplinary in nature. Therefore, a mixture of skills in computer science
and (financial) economics would be ideal. Candidates with insufficient background in either of these areas
will be offered training opportunities.
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Master in Commercial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Business
Economics, or similar
Having at least “cum laude” during master years
Excellent quantitative skills are a definite plus (e.g. programming, statistics, econometrics)
A profound interest in cryptocurrencies
Enthusiastic and motivated to do research
The candidate can work independently, can process complex matters, and has a creative mind-set
Excellent in writing and speaking English
Offer
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The candidate is expected to prepare a PhD at the LIRIS research group under supervision of Prof.
Jochen De Weerdt and co-supervised by Prof. Paul De Grauwe (European Institute, London School
of Economics).
The position is initially of 1 year, which can be renewed. Necessary funding for 3-4 years is
guaranteed.
You will work in an attractive international environment and you will get the opportunity to travel
for attending conferences, workshops, etc.
You are expected to participate in seminars and will occasionally be involved in teaching activities
including supervision of exams.
You will work within the LIRIS research group, a vibrant research group at the Faculty of
Economics and Business with currently 12 PhD students, 2 postdocs, and 7 professors.
Start date to be negotiated
Interested?
For more information, please contact Prof. dr. Jochen De Weerdt, assistant professor at KU Leuven.
Tel.: +32 16 37 62 68 --- Mail: [email protected]
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Web: www.jochendeweerdt.com
Candidates are advised to show their interest ASAP. Please send your CV, motivation letter, and academic
transcripts to [email protected].
Additional PhD position in Process Mining (expected)
In addition to the PhD position on Cryptocurrencies, there is also an position available in the area of
Process Mining. For more details, click here.

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