In our project, the main focus of this PhD is an existence of various different ledgers either developed as part of BCLivingLab or by other projects. The architecture needs to address not only technical aspects, but also organisational ones like governance including the utilisation of innovative ICT development and deployment tools (gitlab and Docker). Research topics are:

• In a BC data does not necessarily have to be distributed to all nodes participating in a network. Moreover, it is not always allowed to store data outside a particular geographical area like the EU.
• The General Data Protection Rules prescribe the ‘right to forget’. However, a distributed ledger is immutable. How could this rule be implemented by DLT?
• Operation of a distributed ledger may result in high volumes of data stored in the ledger (over time). Archiving laws prescribe that data needs to be archived and available for a time period, where this period may also depend on the type of data (e.g. archiving of transaction data depends on tax laws, whereas data of assets needs to be available for a longer period in the context of for instance circular economy).
• These topics provide input to an architecture for global supply and logistics distributed ledger. Additionally, the existence of many distributed ledgers and data sharing platforms build upon other technology needs to be considered in this architecture. How can interoperability be achieved building upon these various initiatives?

All those questions will be researched keeping security and privacy aspects in mind.

• You have a completed Master degree (or equivalent) from a top university with excellent grades in IT security, computer science, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or a similar field.
• Extensive knowledge in IT security/applied cryptography and excellent software development skills are required.
• Additional knowledge in cryptographic protocols (ideally secure multi-party computation) is a plus.
• You are self-motivated, reliable, creative, able to discuss/write/present scientific results in English, and able to conduct excellent research on challenging scientific problems with practical relevance.
• You also like working in a team environment.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) is known worldwide for its high academic quality and the social relevance of its research programmes. The faculty’s excellent facilities accentuate its international position in teaching and research. Within this interdisciplinary and international setting the faculty employs more than 1100 employees, including about 400 graduate students and about 2100 students. Together they work on a broad range of technical innovations in the fields of sustainable energy, telecommunications, microelectronics, embedded systems, computer and software engineering, interactive multimedia and applied mathematics.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/eemcs/the-faculty/