Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Applications are invited for the post of Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Computer Science for 17.5 hours per week, for a two-year period.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the Redonda: A Next-Generation State-Machine Replication Protocol for Blockchain research project led by the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Dan O'Keeffe.

The Redonda project is funded by Horizon Europe (CHIST-ERA) as a partnership between a consortium of universities in the UK (RHUL, University of Surrey), France (IMT), Spain (IMDEA) and Switzerland (University of Neuchatel).

The successful candidate is expected to engage as a full member of the research team and have excellent communication and presentation skills, with the proven ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, colleagues, and external audiences including the ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.

The successful candidate will possess as many as possible of the following:

• PhD in relevant subject area (or near completion of)
• Experience of designing and implement novel distributed algorithms, protocols and systems relevant to the project (e.g. blockchain)
• Knowledge of research techniques and methodologies relevant to distributed systems, systems security and/or systems research
• Ability to design, analyse and refine appropriate experiments to validate research hypotheses
• Ability to identify new avenues and directions for future research
• Knowledge of techniques for formal verification of distributed systems
• Demonstrable comprehensive knowledge in the subject area
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to present complex information to a range of audiences.
• Experience in systems software development (e.g. in C/C++ or Rust).
• Proven ability to analyse and write up research results and handle related administrative duties
• Evidence of a publication record in good quality journals
• Experience with constructing research funding proposals

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
• Free parking

The post is based in Egham, Surrey, where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr. Dan O’Keeffe at daniel.okeeffe@rhul.ac.uk

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk

Please quote the reference: 0325-050

Closing Date:   23:59, 19 March 2025 

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Royal Holloway is committed to equality and diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. Read here about structures and initiatives around equality and diversity, including information on staff diversity networks.

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