Research Associate - Digital Assets (Fixed Term)

Cambridge Judge Entrepreneurship Centre; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Defined benefits pension schemes

Flexible working options

Family-friendly initiatives

Career development opportunities

Health & wellbeing support

Discounts on shopping

Bicycle and charity-giving schemes

Job summary

The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF), based at Cambridge Judge Business School, seeks a Research Associate in Digital Assets to contribute to rigorous, policy-relevant research on blockchain-based financial systems. The role develops and applies quantitative methods, analyzes blockchain data and helps create tools like the Cambridge DeFi Navigator.

Working with the PI and team, you will publish academic outputs and policy-oriented reports, explaining findings to regulators and

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field relevant to research.
• Experience in digital assets, DeFi, blockchain-based financial systems.
• Proficiency in quantitative/programming for research.
• Ability to explain findings to both specialists and non-specialists.
• Ability to manage research activities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the functioning, stability and risks of digital assets and DeFi.
• Develop and apply quantitative and computational methods; analyse blockchain data.
• Produce academic publications, research reports and policy-oriented outputs.
• Explain technical findings to regulators, policymakers and industry audiences.
• Collaborate on projects, funding proposals and knowledge exchange.

Skills

Quantitative research

DeFi knowledge

Programming

Data analysis

Academic writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Finance

PhD in Economics

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Job description

The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF), based at Cambridge Judge Business School, is a global research centre focused on addressing information gaps in alternative finance, digital financial services, and emerging financial technologies. We are now seeking a Research Associate in Digital Assets to contribute to rigorous, policy-relevant research on blockchain-based financial systems.

About The Role

This pivotal role will be responsible for investigating the functioning, stability and risks of digital assets and decentralised finance (DeFi), including asset tokenisation, smart contracts and interconnected protocols. You will develop and apply quantitative and computational methods, analyse blockchain data, and contribute to research tools such as the Cambridge DeFi Navigator.

Working with the Principal Investigator and research team, you will produce academic publications, research reports and policy-oriented outputs. You will explain technical findings to regulators, policymakers and industry audiences, and contribute to collaborative projects, funding proposals and knowledge exchange.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A PhD in Computer Science, Finance, Economics or a closely related quantitative discipline relevant to the research.
• Research experience in digital assets, DeFi, blockchain-based financial systems or a closely related field, with an understanding of blockchain technology, smart contracts and DeFi protocols.
• Experience using quantitative or computational research methods, supported by appropriate programming and data analysis skills.
• The ability to evaluate research critically and produce clear outputs, explaining complex findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• The ability to work collaboratively, manage your own research activities and meet agreed deadlines.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a central role in supporting research that informs global policy and practice, while developing your career within a world-leading academic institution.

Why work for Cambridge Judge Business School?

We are the business school of the University of Cambridge, advancing knowledge and leadership through people who leave a mark on the world. Cambridge Judge Business School leverages the power of academia for real world impact to transform individuals, organisations and society. Since 1990, we have forged a reputation as a centre of rigorous thinking and high-impact transformative education, situated within one of the world's most prestigious research universities, and in the heart of the Cambridge Cluster, the most successful technology entrepreneurship cluster in Europe.

Benefits Of Working For Cambridge Judge Business School

You’ll receive excellent benefits at Cambridge Judge Business School including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Defined benefits pension schemes
• Flexible working options
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health and mental wellbeing
• Discounts on shopping
• Tax-efficient bicycle and charity-giving schemes

The role is available for 12 months in the first instance.

Informal queries may be directed to [e-mail]

Please quote reference NS51510 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.