Research Associate - Digital Assets (Fixed Term)

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. You will investigate the functioning, stability and risks of digital assets and decentralised finance (DeFi), including asset tokenisation, smart contracts and interconnected protocols.

What you'll do

• Develop and apply quantitative and computational methods to analyse blockchain data
• Contribute to research tools such as the Cambridge DeFi Navigator
• Produce academic publications, research reports and policy-oriented outputs
• Explain technical findings to regulators, policymakers and industry audiences
• Contribute to collaborative projects, funding proposals and knowledge exchange activities

What you bring

• A PhD in Computer Science, Finance, Economics or a closely related quantitative discipline
• 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

What we offer

• 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

This is a fixed-term position available for 12 months in the first instance.

About Cambridge Judge Business School

Cambridge Judge Business School is the business school of the University of Cambridge, advancing knowledge and leadership through rigorous thinking and high-impact 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, the school has forged a reputation for transformative impact since 1990.