PhD position in Blockchain Protocols and Networks

Distributed Systems and Networks Group

Deadline for receipt of applications: February 15th, 2026 23:59 AoE (16 February 2026, 13:59h Europe/Madrid Time)

The recently established Distributed Systems and Networks (DistSys) Group at IMDEA Networks is inviting applications for a PhD position under the supervision of Dr. Lucianna Kiffer in the area of blockchain protocols and decentralized networks. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on the design, analysis, and evaluation of blockchain-based systems, with an emphasis on protocol-level and network-level aspects.

The successful candidate will study the foundations of blockchain and decentralized protocols, investigate their performance, scalability, security, and economic properties, and explore how network characteristics and incentives interact with protocol design. The research may combine theoretical analysis, empirical measurements, and system implementation.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Design and analysis of blockchain protocols and distributed consensus mechanisms.
• Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, including security, efficiency, and incentive analysis.
• Network-level measurements of blockchain systems, including topology, propagation, and latency.
• Scalability and performance evaluation of blockchain and layer-2 solutions.
• Security and robustness of decentralized protocols against adversarial behaviors.
• Identifying limitations of existing protocols and proposing improvements or novel designs.

The position offers:

• full time contract with a competitive salary
• a vibrant, collaborative, international and English-speaking environment
• the opportunity to work on projects with immediate, real-world impact
• access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and the chance to contribute to top-tier scientific publications

The position requires:

• a degree in Computer Science or related field, with a solid academic record
• fluency in written and spoken English
• a strong interest in blockchain technologies, distributed systems, or decentralized protocols (prior experience is a plus but not required).
• good programming skills including fluency in multiple programming languages

Inquiries on the position can be directed via mail to the supervisor, Dr. Lucianna Kiffer (lucianna.kiffer@imdea.org).

Candidates should submit by the call deadline a CV, a motivation letter, and two references through the IMDEA Networks Institute hiring portal https://careers.networks.imdea.org. References will be contacted to submit letters once the candidate passes an initial screening round.

Equal Employment Opportunity

IMDEA Networks Institute aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore qualified female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Until a balanced ratio of men and women has been achieved at the institute, preference will be given to women if applicants have similar qualifications. IMDEA Networks Institute actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities. Applicants are not to be discriminated against in personnel selection procedures on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or ideology, age, sexual orientation (anti-discrimination). People with disabilities who have the relevant qualifications are expressly invited to apply.