Research Associate in Decentralised Systems, Control and Mechanism Design

Location: South Kensington

About the role:

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to a high-impact research programme focused on decentralised systems and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) in the context of the sharing and circular economy. This role will explore how large-scale, decentralised architectures can enable trusted, efficient, and autonomous coordination without centralised control—advancing both theoretical foundations and real-world applications.

You will be based in Imperial’s I3-Lab, a hub for interdisciplinary research bridging AI, systems theory, and digital infrastructure, and work in close collaboration with the IOTA Foundation. Ideal candidates will have a strong mathematical and systems background, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: network theory, control systems, artificial intelligence, mechanism design, or game theory. A demonstrated interest in decentralised technologies and their societal impact is essential. 

What you would be doing:

You will carry out original research at the intersection of decentralised systems and the sharing/circular economy. Working within a vibrant, interdisciplinary team, you will design, model, and analyse new mechanisms for trust, coordination, and governance in distributed environments. Potential areas of focus include (but are not limited to):

• Incentive and compliance mechanisms for decentralised platforms
• Safe and verifiable decentralised AI systems
• Networked architectures and interoperability for distributed ledgers (DLTs)
• Dynamic consensus and trust propagation models
• Control-theoretic and game-theoretic analysis of decentralised infrastructure
• Applications of DLTs to peer-to-peer marketplaces and resource sharing systems
• Access Control

You will also engage with external collaborators (including IOTA and CSEP), contribute to the mentoring of students and junior researchers, and help shape the strategic direction of the research group. Dissemination through top-tier publications and active participation in academic and industry forums will be expected.

What we are looking for:

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.

They will have a strong foundation in one or more of the following areas: network theory, control systems, artificial intelligence, mechanism design, or game theory—and a demonstrated interest in decentralised systems and distributed ledgers. They will be an independent researcher with a track record of high-quality publications and experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments. 

Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills are essential, as is the ability to support and lead small research teams. The candidate will be proactive in contributing to both academic outputs and the broader strategic goals of the lab, including engagement with external partners such as the IOTA Foundation and CSEP. They will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, research ambition, and a commitment to developing trustworthy digital infrastructure for decentralised coordination in the sharing economy. 

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a full-time and fixed-term for 18 months role.

Please refer to the job description for a complete list of responsibilities, and the desirable and essential requirements.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact Prof Robert Shorten, r.shorten@imperial.ac.uk. 

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