PhD Candidate in Data Engineering (University of Luxembourg)

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract Duration: 36 Month About the SnT The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications. Your role Successful candidates will join the vibrant and interdisciplinary FINATRAX Research Group, which builds bridges between business research and information systems engineering. The group conducts research on the application and the impact of digital technologies on organisations in the private and public sectors. Our team consists of international researchers with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, information systems, economics, management, law, and other fields, united in pursuit of sustainable technologies that positively impact society. The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with specialisation in Information Systems. In the context of Prof. Fridgen’s PayPal-FNR PEARL Research Grant and the FutureFinTech National Centre of Excellence in Research and Innovation, the successful candidate will work on crypto-asset transaction analysis – at the intersection of data science, blockchain technology, and financial crime prevention from an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism standpoint. Crypto-assets are reshaping global financial markets but also bring about significant operational and compliance risks. Preventing the misuse of the crypto-asset ecosystem is vital for safeguarding financial stability and international security. This project investigates how blockchain analytics and data engineering can enhance the detection of illicit activities across these decentralised and increasingly complex networks. By deploying and advancing techniques such as machine learning, graph-based network analysis, and synthetic data generation, the project tackles key challenges in anomaly detection, transaction classification, and overcoming label scarcity. Tasks Conduct interdisciplinary research on crypto-asset analytics and financial crime prevention Analyze blockchain data and develop innovative analytics methods Contribute to the understanding of illicit financial flows in the crypto-asset ecosystem Develop strategies to improve the design of public-private cooperation in crypto-asset compliance and supervision Participate in the creation of networking opportunities – conferences, interviews, events Conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders – regulators, supervisors, law enforcement agencies Disseminate results through scientific publications in outlets at the intersection between information systems and computer science For further information, please contact nadia.pocher@uni.lu and gilbert.fridgen@uni.lu Your profile Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science/Data Analytics, Mathematics, Information Systems (Engineering) or related disciplines Understanding of blockchain fundamentals Strong programming skills in at least one relevant language (e.g., Python, R, Rust, JavaScript) Experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, or machine learning techniques Familiarity with handling large datasets (e.g., using SQL) and data pipelines Ability to work with data visualization tools to communicate findings clearly Willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary context and deploy a set of interdisciplinary methods (i.e., dealing with both qualitative and quantitative data) Interest in engaging with stakeholders active in financial regulation, compliance and supervision A collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group Commitment to participate in the design and implementation of high-quality solutions that solve significant problems The position requires English-language proficiency for both written and verbal communication. Knowledge of French, German and/or Luxembourgish is not required. We offer Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR) A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs … How to apply Applications, written in English, should include: A cover letter including: A statement on the candidate’s personal motivation for applying (why a doctoral program, why in Luxembourg, minimum 300 words) A statement on the candidate’s motivation for applying for this topic (minimum 300 words) Full CV, including work experience Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree or equivalent) Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered. The University of Luxembourg is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff. Should candidates present equivalent profiles, preference will be given to female candidates in all departments where gender parity is not yet achieved. The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff. General information Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required) Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week Location: Kirchberg Campus Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher Job Reference: UOL07701 The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41,976 (full time). If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Duration: 36 Month

About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

Your role

Successful candidates will join the vibrant and interdisciplinary FINATRAX Research Group, which builds bridges between business research and information systems engineering. The group conducts research on the application and the impact of digital technologies on organisations in the private and public sectors. Our team consists of international researchers with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, information systems, economics, management, law, and other fields, united in pursuit of sustainable technologies that positively impact society.

The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with specialisation in Information Systems. In the context of Prof. Fridgen’s PayPal-FNR PEARL Research Grant and the FutureFinTech National Centre of Excellence in Research and Innovation, the successful candidate will work on crypto-asset transaction analysis – at the intersection of data science, blockchain technology, and financial crime prevention from an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism standpoint. Crypto-assets are reshaping global financial markets but also bring about significant operational and compliance risks. Preventing the misuse of the crypto-asset ecosystem is vital for safeguarding financial stability and international security.

This project investigates how blockchain analytics and data engineering can enhance the detection of illicit activities across these decentralised and increasingly complex networks. By deploying and advancing techniques such as machine learning, graph-based network analysis, and synthetic data generation, the project tackles key challenges in anomaly detection, transaction classification, and overcoming label scarcity.

Tasks

Conduct interdisciplinary research on crypto-asset analytics and financial crime prevention
Analyze blockchain data and develop innovative analytics methods
Contribute to the understanding of illicit financial flows in the crypto-asset ecosystem
Develop strategies to improve the design of public-private cooperation in crypto-asset compliance and supervision
Participate in the creation of networking opportunities – conferences, interviews, events
Conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders – regulators, supervisors, law enforcement agencies
Disseminate results through scientific publications in outlets at the intersection between information systems and computer science

For further information, please contact nadia.pocher@uni.lu and gilbert.fridgen@uni.lu

Your profile

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science/Data Analytics, Mathematics, Information Systems (Engineering) or related disciplines
Understanding of blockchain fundamentals
Strong programming skills in at least one relevant language (e.g., Python, R, Rust, JavaScript)
Experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, or machine learning techniques
Familiarity with handling large datasets (e.g., using SQL) and data pipelines
Ability to work with data visualization tools to communicate findings clearly
Willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary context and deploy a set of interdisciplinary methods (i.e., dealing with both qualitative and quantitative data)
Interest in engaging with stakeholders active in financial regulation, compliance and supervision
A collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group
Commitment to participate in the design and implementation of high-quality solutions that solve significant problems

The position requires English-language proficiency for both written and verbal communication. Knowledge of French, German and/or Luxembourgish is not required.

We offer

Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications, written in English, should include:

A cover letter including:
- A statement on the candidate’s personal motivation for applying (why a doctoral program, why in Luxembourg, minimum 300 words)
- A statement on the candidate’s motivation for applying for this topic (minimum 300 words)
Full CV, including work experience
Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree or equivalent)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff. Should candidates present equivalent profiles, preference will be given to female candidates in all departments where gender parity is not yet achieved.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
Location: Kirchberg Campus
Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
Job Reference: UOL07701