The IMDEA Software Institute invites applications for one postdoc position to work on the runtime verification of blockchain histories, in particular the Tezos blockchain. More specifically, the postdoc will be focusing on building efficient backend engines for the offchain monitoring, which is the process of analyzing the chain of blocks that are generated during the evolution of the blockchain. Our vision for offchain monitoring is to combine (1) online monitors—which are small, efficient, and receive and process only new blocks—and (2) a backend server which is capable of traversing the full blockchain history.
The aim of the backend is to provide a sophisticated runtime verification engine capable of analyzing the execution of the Tezos blockchain. This engine must be efficient, sophisiticated and ultimately capable of resist denial of service attacks and abuses and implement a simple payment system.
The aim of the monitors is to detect attacks, malicious uses of the blockchain and their relations and other anomalies. The backend query language will allow to collect from the history of the blockchain. The outcome is the collection of rich data that is computed as a results of queries, and serves as explanation and visualization. This requires to improve existing Blockchain indexers.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background on programming languages and formal methods, and excellent programming skills and experience building online monitoring engines. Experience in Blockchain technologies, particularly smart contracts, and runtime verification is a plus. Functional languages (particularly O-Caml and Haskell) are a big plus.
Applications are invited to apply for a postdoc position at the IMDEA Software Institute, Madrid, Spain. Selected candidates will work with Prof. César Sánchez and an international team of graduate students, postdocs, programmers and researchers focusing on Blockchain reliability.
Candidates should hold a PhD in Computer Science or being close to obtain one, have an interest in blockchain as a research area, and a strong commitment to research. Proven top programming skills as well as ability to understand and develop algorithms are required. Good teamwork and communication skills, including excellent spoken and written English are also required.
The position is based in Madrid, Spain, where the IMDEA Software Institute is situated. The institute provides for travel expenses and an internationally competitive stipend. The working language at the IMDEA Software Institute is English.
The duration of the position will be up to 24 months.
Applicants interested in the position should submit their application at https://careers.software.imdea.org/ using reference code 2023-01-postdoc-offbackend. Review of applications will begin immediately and close when positions are filled or on February 15th, 2023.
For enquiries about the position, please contact:
