About the position
Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at Networks and Distributed systems (ND) group, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway. This project is in collaboration with the IOTA Foundation.
No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.
The fellowship is a full-time position with a fixed-term period of two years and eight months.
Project description
This project will focus on DAG-based Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs), in which the distributed ledger is organized in a less restricted structure, instead of a linear chain of blocks, such as in Bitcoin or Ethereum. This approach enables better performance and scalability, e.g. in terms of throughput and confirmation delay as the size of the network grows. However, this approach presents many challenges related to consensus, since the increased transaction processing capability may also lead to more inconsistent views across different participants of the system.
The main objective of this project is to investigate convergence in DAG-based DLTs, i.e. the process by which nodes obtain the same view of the state of the ledger, while satisfying stringent performance and scalability requirements. This project is expected to make contributions in topics such as, but not limited to: better understanding the characteristics of DAG-based DLTs, secure but fast finality of transactions, performance and scalability evaluation.
This project will be conducted in collaboration with the IOTA Foundation, which is one of the leading providers of DAG-based DLTs. There is significant potential for making a contribution to the actual IOTA production system, in addition to conducting novel research.
The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
Qualification requirements:
- Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Computer Science. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- The evaluation considers many aspects of excellence, as well as the personal drive and organizational skills
- Background in distributed systems
- Experience with consensus algorithms or blockchain technologies will be considered an advantage
We offer
- Salary NOK 544 400 – 626 300 per year depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Professionally stimulating working environment
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Postdoctoral development programmes
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
- A strong research environment. Our students have won best paper and best demo awards at several conferences. Our alumni are employed by IBM Research, Microsoft, Spotify, and highly reputable academic institutions in Europe.
- Opportunity to be part of the activities of the recently established Blockchain Lab at UiO
- The group of Networks and Distributed Systems offers a work environment that is well equipped with the newest hard- and software technology. The research group has tight bonds with Simula Research Laboratory. Furthermore, we have well-established links to national and international research institutions. We conduct collaborative research projects that are funded by Norwegian research funds, and the European Community.
- Highly relevant for the prioritized initiatives at the department such as the Strategic Research Initiative for Concurrent Security and Robustness of Networked Systems (Conserns)
How to apply
The application must include:
- Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
- CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
- A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
- Optionally, any other document that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee (e.g. letters of recommendation, awards, etc)
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their university’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).
In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed twice as a Postdoctoral fellow financed with funds from The Research Council of Norway (NFR).
If an applicant has applied for and been granted funding for a research stay abroad while being employed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the employment will prolonged with the equivalent time as the research stay, but for no longer than of twelve months ( thus extending the employment to a maximum of four years).
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure ights t research results a.o.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.
Contact information
For further information please contact Professor Roman Vitenberg, e-mail: romanvi@ifi.uio.no or Thiago Garrett, e-mail: thiagoga@ifi.uio.no.
For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7500 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The Department of Informatics (IFI) is one of nine departments belonging to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. IFI is Norway’s largest university department for general education and research in Computer Science and related topics.
The Department has more than 1800 students on bachelor level, 600 master students, and over 240 PhDs and postdocs. The overall staff of the Department is close to 370 employees, about 280 of these in full time positions. The full time tenured academic staff is 75, mostly Full/Associate Professors.