PhD position in secure software stacks for decentralized applications

(ref. BAP-2022-697)

Laatst aangepast :

3/10/2022

DistriNet is an international research group with extensive expertise in secure & distributed software. Embedded in the Department of Computer Science of KU Leuven, DistriNet brings together a substantial critical mass of over 100 researchers, including 16 full-time professors, 10 permanent research staff members, 14 postdoctoral researchers, and about 80 PhD researchers. The conducted research is systems-centric, always application-driven and often performed in close collaboration with industry. The know-how of DistriNet formed the basis of multiple spin-off companies (https://distrinet.cs.kuleuven.be/spinoffs/).

The new blockchain and decentralized systems team within DistriNet studies the software technologies underlying “Web3” decentralized applications – apps that can autonomously control digital assets recorded on blockchains with no central point of control. We are looking for new colleagues to join us in making these systems more secure and easier to build.

Project

In this position you will perform research on decentralized applications under the supervision of prof. Tom Van Cutsem. Our research aims to cover the full stack of building secure decentralized applications, from the blockchain layer to the smart contract execution layer all the way up to the application logic. We study both existing platforms (e.g. Ethereum, Cosmos) as well as create the foundations for next-generation Dapp platforms. The specific scope of your research project is open for discussion. Potential in-scope research topics include:

• Invent new programming models for writing smart contracts or application-specific blockchains (languages, type systems, virtual machines, …)
• Perform formal verification of smart contracts or blockchain kernel code
• Invent or study secure distributed object protocols to track ownership of digital assets
• Design extensible software frameworks to build decentralized blockchain-based applications
• Document decentralized application architectures & design patterns
• Invent new techniques to scale transaction processing on blockchains or related distributed ledger technology
• Improve the privacy of decentralized applications (e.g. using zero-knowledge proofs, …)

Profile

You share our strong interest in secure decentralized applications and you have

• a master in computer science (or equivalent),
• an analytical mind,
• technical skills,
• and fluent English communication skills.

Offer

We offer a full-time position as PhD researcher in computer science :

• you will join a supportive and collaborative team in which you can develop know-how and expertise in state-of-the-art technologies,
• you will have the opportunity to build up research and innovation skills that are essential for a future career in academia or in industry,
• you will work in a multicultural working environment at the KU Leuven High Tech Campus.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Tom Van Cutsem, tel.: +32 16 32 19 27, mail: tom.vancutsem@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.