Gilbert Fridgen

The University of Luxembourg, a modern and international research university, is offering a PhD position in Computer Science/Information Systems Engineering focused on Large Language Models (LLMs) and task automation. The successful candidate will join the FINATRAX Research Group at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), which is renowned for its work at the intersection of business research and information systems engineering. The group investigates the application and impact of emerging technologies such as blockchain, GenAI, NLP, machine learning, human-computer interaction, and IoT/5G on organizations in both private and public sectors. This PhD project aims to bridge the gap between LLMs and task automation, enabling natural language interaction (e.g., via chatbots) to safely access and control automation tools. The research will focus on developing architectures that facilitate communication between LLMs and automation tools, as well as exploring the associated security and business implications. Key tasks include deploying and benchmarking state-of-the-art LLMs, developing LLM-based architectures for automation, investigating hybrid LLMs and knowledge-based approaches, applying Design Science Research methodology in collaboration with industry partners, and adapting explainable AI methods for task automation. The candidate will disseminate research findings through scientific publications, support research proposal development, and contribute to project deliverables. Applicants should have a Master's degree in a relevant field with an AI background, strong programming skills, and interest in cloud-based architectures and semantic/cognitive search. The position offers a fixed-term contract of 36 months (extendable to 48 months), a yearly gross salary of EUR 40,952, and access to high-quality equipment and a vibrant, multicultural research environment. The University of Luxembourg promotes inclusivity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Applications must be submitted online through the HR system and should include a cover letter (with motivation statements), CV, and transcripts. Early application is recommended as applications are processed upon reception.

The University of Luxembourg, a modern and international research university, is offering a PhD position in Differential Privacy & Secure Computation within the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT). The successful candidate will join the FINATRAX Research Group, which focuses on bridging business research and information systems engineering, and conducts research on digital technologies such as blockchain, digital identities, machine learning, and IoT/5G. The PhD project centers on advancing privacy-preserving techniques for data analysis and task automation, with a particular emphasis on developing and evaluating differential privacy frameworks and secure computing techniques. The goal is to enable secure, private, and scalable data-driven systems for the utilization of public data, collaborating with the Ministry for Digitalization. Key research challenges include balancing privacy guarantees with utility, designing efficient algorithms for real-world applications, and assessing security and business implications. The candidate will be expected to implement novel differential privacy mechanisms, benchmark state-of-the-art techniques, develop architectures and tools for privacy-preserving automation, explore machine learning in privacy-sensitive settings, and investigate trade-offs between explainability, privacy, and system performance. Results will be disseminated through scientific publications, and the candidate will support research proposal writing to attract industry partnerships and secure grants. Applicants should have a Master's degree in a relevant field, strong programming skills, and an interest in cloud-based architectures. Familiarity with differential privacy is beneficial. The position offers a fixed-term contract of 36 months (extendable to 48 months), a yearly gross salary of EUR 40952, and a vibrant, multicultural research environment. Applications should be submitted online and include a cover letter, CV, and transcripts. The University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

The University of Luxembourg is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a position focused on the security and privacy of digital identity wallets. The successful candidate will join the FINATRAX Research Group at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable, and trustworthy ICT systems and services. The FINATRAX group is known for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging business research and information systems engineering, and conducting research on the impact of digital technologies such as blockchain, digital identities, machine learning, and IoT/5G on organizations in both the private and public sectors. This postdoc position is funded through an industry partnership with Luxembourg's Ministry for Digitalisation, as well as other industry and public research projects. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on the design, implementation, and instantiation of Luxembourg's digital identity wallet and the European digital identity wallets (EUDIW), with a particular focus on privacy and security, as well as technical, organizational, and regulatory aspects. Key responsibilities include conducting critical evaluations of security and privacy implications of technical design choices for digital identity wallets, especially in the context of the eIDAS 2.0 regulation and the architecture reference framework (ARF). The candidate will investigate emerging standards such as W3C Verifiable Credentials, OpenID4VCI/OpenID4VP, and current solutions like eIDs, biometric passports, X.509 certificates, and SD-JWTs, as well as deployments involving secure hardware and cryptographic co-processors in mobile devices. The postdoc will also develop and implement privacy enhancements for new or existing standards using cryptographic constructions such as zero-knowledge proofs. Additional duties include providing guidance to PhD and Master students, disseminating research results through scientific publications, preparing research proposals to attract industry partnerships and grant projects, and managing research projects and deliverables. The position offers two career tracks: an academic track focused on publications, research grants, and teaching, and an industry track preparing for careers in industry, start-ups, or public bodies. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field, have experience with interdisciplinary research projects and methods, a strong publication record, and experience in research supervision. The position is full-time (40 hours/week), fixed-term for 24 months (extension possible), with a yearly gross salary of EUR 83,099. The University of Luxembourg is a modern, dynamic, and international institution with excellent infrastructure and close ties to industry and society. Applications should be submitted online and include a cover letter, CV, list of publications, at least one full-text publication, and reference letters if available. Early application is encouraged, and all qualified individuals are welcome to apply.

The University of Luxembourg's FINATRAX Research Group (SnT) is recruiting a PhD researcher in Blockchain Analytics and Data Engineering. The group, led by Professor Gilbert Fridgen, focuses on digital financial services and the application of decentralisation technologies such as blockchain, digital identities, and artificial intelligence. The research will involve machine learning, graph-based network analysis, and synthetic data generation, with a strong emphasis on data science and analytics. Applicants should have a Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science/Analytics, Mathematics, or Information Systems, and possess strong programming skills (Python, R, Rust, JavaScript), SQL proficiency, and experience in data engineering, machine learning, and data visualization. The position is funded by the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) PEARL program, though specific financial details are not provided. The application process is online, and candidates can contact [email protected] for further information. The FINATRAX group offers a collaborative and innovative research environment, working on cutting-edge digital technologies to address real-world problems. The deadline is not specified; interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.

The University of Luxembourg is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a position in Security & Privacy of Digital Identity Wallets, based at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT). The successful candidate will join the FINATRAX Research Group, an interdisciplinary team focused on the impact and application of digital technologies such as blockchain, digital identities, machine learning, and IoT/5G in both private and public sectors. The group is committed to developing sustainable technologies that positively impact society and collaborates closely with industry and government partners. This postdoc position is funded through an industry partnership with Luxembourg's Ministry for Digitalisation and other public/private research projects. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on the design, implementation, and instantiation of Luxembourg's digital identity wallet and the European digital identity wallets (EUDIW), with a particular focus on privacy and security, as well as technical, organizational, and regulatory aspects. Key research tasks include critical evaluation of security and privacy implications of technical design choices for digital identity wallets, especially in the context of the eIDAS 2.0 regulation and the architecture reference framework (ARF). The candidate will investigate emerging standards such as W3C Verifiable Credentials, OpenID4VCI/OpenID4VP, and current solutions like eIDs, biometric passports, X.509 certificates, and SD-JWTs. Research will also address deployments involving secure hardware and cryptographic co-processors, primarily in mobile devices, and the development of privacy enhancements using cryptographic constructions such as zero-knowledge proofs. The postdoc will disseminate research results through scientific publications, prepare research proposals to attract industry and grant funding, manage research projects, and provide guidance to both Master and PhD students. The position offers two career tracks: academic, focusing on publications, grants, and teaching, and industry, preparing for careers in startups, public bodies, or private sector organizations. Applicants must hold a PhD in Information Systems Engineering, Management Information Systems, Technology & Law, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Experience with interdisciplinary research projects and methods, a strong publication record, research supervision experience, and excellent English communication skills are required. The University of Luxembourg offers a modern, international, and dynamic research environment with high-quality equipment and strong ties to industry and society. The contract is for 24 months (extension possible), full-time (40 hours/week), with a yearly gross salary of EUR 83,099. Applications should be submitted online and include a cover letter, research statement, motivation, strategy for grant/partnership acquisition, CV, publication list, at least one full-text publication, and reference letters if available. Early application is encouraged as applications are processed upon reception. The University promotes an inclusive culture and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Doctoral Researcher in Geospatial Economics and Information at the University of Luxembourg, within the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) and the FINATRAX Research Group. This PhD project sits at the intersection of geospatial economics, econometrics, information systems, and financial economics, with a strong applied focus on cash infrastructures and financial services in partnership with Banque Centrale du Luxembourg (BCL). The successful candidate will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment that connects business research and information systems engineering, and will contribute to work related to FinTech, the FutureFinTech National Centre of Excellence in Research and Innovation, and Prof. Gilbert Fridgen’s PayPal-FNR PEARL Research Grant. The doctoral researcher will be enrolled in the PhD program in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, with a specialisation in Information Systems. Research will primarily use methods from geospatial economics and econometrics, complemented by IS research approaches. The role may also involve surveys and interviews with stakeholders, participation in conferences and networking events, and publication of results in strong journals and conferences. Applicants should hold a master's degree in economics, geoinformatics, geographic information systems, economics of information systems, or a related discipline. The post asks for interest in econometrics, geo-spatial analysis, and/or modelling, plus foundational skills in tools such as STATA, R, Python, QGIS, or ArcGIS. The team values collaborative, self-motivated, creative researchers who are enthusiastic about socio-technical research and willing to spend 1–2 days per week at the partner’s premises in Luxembourg City. Language requirements include high English proficiency at C1/C2 level (no certificate required) and at least B2-level proficiency in the language of the thesis. The university highlights its multilingual, international, and inclusive environment, strong links to industry and society, and an excellent urban campus in Luxembourg. Funding is provided through a fixed-term doctoral researcher contract of 36 months, with a yearly gross salary of EUR 44,531 for full-time employment. Applications are reviewed upon receipt, so early submission is encouraged. Candidates must apply online through the HR system and include a CV, cover letter with two detailed motivation statements, and transcripts of all university-level modules and results. Email applications are not accepted.