Job Description

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences


Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR)
The University of Lucerne is a modern, personal and dynamic human sciences university at the heart of Switzerland and Europe. In keeping with our guiding principle 'Moving Human Sciences', we focus on people and their institutions with our six faculties, two academies and two university research centres. Our aim is to develop the University of Lucerne into a pioneering, internationally visible centre for research and teaching in the human sciences.



The Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR) is a newly established research institute dedicated to the social study of blockchain and Web3 - thus examining these technologies beyond their purely financial and technical dimensions. It brings together nine professorships from various social sciences faculties at the University of Lucerne. The institute and its research teams deal with the social, political, legal and economic consequences of blockchain technology in a broad sense. The aim is to build a centre for financial technology research with a distinctive focus on the human sciences that is unique in its breadth and diversity.
As of

February 15, 2026

or by agreement, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral position in "Sociology and Blockchain" (50%, 4 years)

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This position is funded by the Zug Institute of Blockchain Research (ZIBR) and its Chair of Sociology and Blockchain, in conjunction with the University of Lucerne.

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Areas of responsibility

Collaboration in research activities around the topic of "sociology and blockchain," broadly construed. Writing publications on one's own, and in co-authorship with the chair holder. Support in the preparation and implementation of courses and support of students. Support in the preparation and presentation of conferences and workshops. Support in the acquisition of third-party funding. Other organizational and administrative tasks. #

Requirements

Ph.D. in sociology (or adjacent field such as STS, anthropology, etc.), to be completed by the time the position starts at the latest. Demonstrated subject matter interest in, and a practical knowledge & expertise pertaining to the core topic of blockchain and sociology. Research specializations in digital economy, fintech, AI, Web3, and/or social studies of finance, also a plus. English proficiency. German is a plus but not required. Demonstrated proficiency in an applicable set of research methods. Mixed methods proficiency is a plus. Team orientation, enthusiasm for research, and capabilities for self-organization. Regular presence (i.e., not majority remote work). #

We offer

A four-year employment (50%) in a postdoc position salaried according to University of Lucerne standards. Attractive employment conditions are in accordance with the personnel law of the Canton of Lucerne A constructive environment to carry out innovative and creative social science research. Regular exchange within the project team and the research colloquium of the Zug Institute and Dept. of Sociology at University of Lucerne Highly motivated and constructive research team with opportunities for international contacts in the establishment of a globally unique research institute on blockchain technology Flexible working hours and a modern workplace in the immediate vicinity of Zug train station. The University is also centrally located, minutes from the Luzern train station. #

Your application

A detailed letter of motivation (cover letter) describing your profile and your interest in the position and the overall project of the Institute, including the concrete design and further development of current and new research ideas (2-4 pages) An up-to-date CV Two selected articles (can be work in progress or co-authored, but solo and/or lead-author a plus) Copies of degree certificates


For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Adam Hayes (adam.hayes@unilu.ch).
Completed applications may be submitted until

10 December 2025

via application button below.
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