University of Cambridge 
Cambridge, United Kingdom Offer Summary
The University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School seeks a Research Associate in Digital Assets for a fixed-term position. Based at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, this role focuses on rigorous, policy-relevant research into blockchain-based financial systems, decentralised finance (DeFi), and digital asset stability. The successful candidate will investigate risks, asset tokenisation, and smart contracts, applying quantitative methods to analyse blockchain data and contribute to tools like the Cambridge DeFi Navigator. Responsibilities include producing academic publications, reports, and policy outputs while explaining technical findings to regulators and industry stakeholders. Candidates must hold a PhD in Computer Science, Finance, Economics, or a related quantitative discipline, with specific experience in digital assets and computational research methods. The position offers a salary between £37,694 and £46,049 and includes comprehensive benefits such as flexible working options and pension schemes.
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Project 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.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal queries may be directed to hrsupport@jbs.cam.ac.uk
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.