Doctoral Candidate (PhD) in Computer Science on Digital Identity Wallets and Payments

About Us...

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.

The Centre is rapidly expanding its research activities and is seeking highly motivated doctoral candidates who wish to pursue research in close cooperation with our partners. For further information you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu and https://uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/finatrax

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

About The Role...

The successful candidate will join the young, 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 like DLT/Blockchain, Digital Identities, Machine Learning/AI, and IoT/5G on organisations from both the private and public sectors. The group consists of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds united in pursuit of sustainable technologies that positively impact society. For more information, please visit our website: https://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/finatrax/projects.

The Ph.D. candidate will focus on information systems within computer science and engineering while collaborating with Luxembourg’s Ministry for Digitalisation. The project examines the interplay between the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW) under eIDAS2 and digital financial services, considering EU regulations on AML/CFT, open finance, and the digital euro. It will analyze how digital finance evolves alongside EUDIW features, assessing its impact on functionalities and user control over financial and payment data.

The candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Carry out interdisciplinary research in digital identity (wallets) and digital finance and payments:
• electronic attestations of attributes
• certification processes and security measures in digital wallets
• using privacy-enhancing technologies to ensure end-user privacy while mitigating risks of financial crime
• open banking and open finance
• digital euro and central bank digital currencies, online and offline payments
• economic impact and/or usability-related aspects of combining identification and payments in a single app
• Advise Luxembourg’s Ministry for Digitalisation on related activities
• Publish in top outlets on information systems, tech policy, and computer science
• Support research proposals to secure industry partnerships and grants
• Conduct research and deliver outcomes with academic and public partne
  
  

For further information, contact Nadia Pocher [email protected] and Gilbert Fridgen [email protected]

Your profile...

• Master's degree in information systems, business informatics, computer science, computer engineering, technology management, or related fields
• Interest in applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methods from information systems, such as qualitative interviews or simulation-based modeling to investigate questions at the individual and organizational levels
• Interest in financial applications of decentralization technologies and data sovereignty
• Interest in technology policy and regulation
• A collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group 
• A person with strong communication skills and interests in taking part in national and international working groups and consortia around digital identities and payments
• Self-initiative, creativity, curiosity, flexibility and enthusiasm to work 
• The position requires English-language proficiency for both written and verbal communication. Knowledge of French, German or Luxembourgish is not required but desirable
  
  

In return you will get…

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 45 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, health insurance and subsidised living and eating
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
  
  

But wait, there’s more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme
• Download the brochure: Why choose SnT for your PhD?
  
  

Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities.

How to apply...

Applications, written in English should be submitted through the University’s job portal and 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)
• 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.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Months extendable up to 48 months if required
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Employee and student status
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07167
  
  

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).