PhD position in Economics of Decentralized Platforms

Welcome to Maastricht University.
How do decentralized systems like blockchain reshape the way we think about incentives, coordination, and markets? At Maastricht University, you’ll explore these fundamental questions as a PhD candidate in the economics of decentralized platforms. In this interdisciplinary project, you’ll investigate the underlying mechanisms of Web3 infrastructure, and help shape the future of financial and digital innovation.

Our goal: Uncover the economic principles that drive decentralized platforms – from incentives and governance to scalability and interoperability.

Your colleagues: A collaborative and international team of researchers at the School of Business and Economics (SBE), working at the intersection of economics, computer science, and digital innovation.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll conduct in-depth research on the economics of blockchain technologies and distributed ledger systems. You’ll focus on real-world applications and emerging protocols, combining theoretical models with empirical analysis to better understand how decentralized systems function and evolve.

You’ll study a wide range of topics, including transaction pricing and incentive design, DeFi market dynamics, DAO governance, cross-chain communication, and Layer 2 scaling solutions. Your research will be informed by insights from economics, game theory, and data science – and contribute to policy discussions on the future of digital infrastructure.

Throughout the PhD, you’ll work under the guidance of expert supervisors, participate in seminars and collaborative projects, and have the opportunity to publish your findings in academic journals. You’ll also engage with a wider research community that values both intellectual depth and real-world relevance.

Ready to explore the economics behind the next generation of digital systems? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring
We’re looking for a driven and curious researcher who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment. Does this sound like you?

• You hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Economics, or a related field.
• You’re familiar with blockchain technologies, including smart contracts and/or decentralized finance (DeFi).
• You bring a solid foundation in data science, quantitative methods, or empirical research.
• You communicate fluently in English, both written and spoken.
• You have programming skills (e.g. Python, Solidity), or the willingness to develop them further.
• You enjoy working independently, but also value collaboration. You’re analytical, organised, and comfortable navigating both abstract concepts and real-world systems. Whether your background is more technical or economic, you’re ready to bridge disciplines and contribute to cutting-edge research.

What we offer
As a PhD Candidate at the School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary from €2901,00 in the first year and €3707,00 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 2.5 years will follow. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 
   

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

The School of Business and Economics
The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority. 

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Mohsen Pourpouneh at m.pourpouneh@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate? Apply now, no later than August 10th, 2025, for this position.

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, grade list, two recommendation letter, and research plan.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.