KU Leuven

PhD/Researcher position: Decentralized Data Sharing Middleware for Data Spaces

2024-09-30 (Europe/Brussels)
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About the employer

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

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DistriNet is a leading research group specializing in secure and distributed software, embedded in the KU Leuven Department of Computer Science. With over 100 researchers, including 15 full-time professors, the group excels in systems-centric, application-driven research, often collaborating closely with industry. DistriNet's expertise has led to the creation of multiple spin-off companies (https://distrinet.cs.kuleuven.be/industry/industry-network). The group focuses on Secure Software and Systems, encompassing applications, services, middleware and systems, infrastructures, methods, and tools. Their research is applied to innovative case studies in e-health, industry 4.0, e-finance, e-media, and e-government.
Are you passionate about the data economy, Web3, decentralization and blockchain technology? Join our team as a distributed systems researcher and contribute to innovative middleware solutions to support and improve data sharing in Data Spaces. As a PhD candidate, you will explore techniques for mediating data sharing in a trustworthy and decentralized way without relying on centralized parties. Your work will contribute to a more reliable, secure and privacy-friendly data economy, potentially shaping future standards, regulations, and industry best practices.
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Project

International Data Spaces are distributed systems designed to enable more effective data sharing across companies and organizations while retaining strict control over their own data. Instead of uploading data to centralized cloud platforms, potentially controlled by foreign entities, Data Spaces allow third parties to access and process data under clearly defined terms and conditions. Aligned with European regulations such as GDPR and the EU Data Act, Data Spaces ensure fair data usage,  proper compensation for data owners, and protection against unintended use.
Since Data Spaces are inherently distributed across multiple organizations, tracking data availability, ownership, and permissible actions is not readily available in a single central database. Researchers are exploring the use of Blockchain technology to securely and centrally  track this information for Data Space members.
This research aims to investigate data sharing policies in real-world Data Spaces projects. By studying applications and use cases organizations build on top of Data Spaces, the goal is to understand current data sharing practices, associated terms and conditions, and the technical and legal risks. The technical focus is on addressing these risks by encoding the terms and conditions into “smart contracts” and designing secure, practical middleware solutions for users and companies.

Profile

  • Strong interest in data privacy and protection, and the intersection of regulation and software engineering to build user-respecting software.
  • Solid technical understanding of distributed systems, middleware, and authentication to comprehend practical data sharing methods.
  • Experience with blockchain projects and/or smart contracts is a definite plus.
In addition, you have:
  • An academic degree of Master in Computer Science (or equivalent).
  • Fluent English written and oral communication skills.
  • Good software implementation skills (experience with concrete programming projects).
  • A willingness to write about your work and to present your learnings to others.
  • The ability to independently plan, execute and report on your work on a regular basis.
  • An open mind and a curiosity to explore new ideas and technologies.

Offer

We offer a full-time researcher position with the option to pursue a PhD in computer science:
  • You will join a supportive and collaborative team to develop expertise in state-of-the-art technologies.
  • You will build essential research and innovation skills for a future career in academia or industry R&D / CTO roles.
  • You will have opportunities to publish and present your work at top international academic conferences.
  • You will work in a multicultural environment at the KU Leuven High Tech Campus.
  • You will have access to a range of skills trainings organized by the doctoral school.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Tom Van Cutsem, tel.: +32 16 32 19 27, mail: tom.vancutsem@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job details

Title
PhD/Researcher position: Decentralized Data Sharing Middleware for Data Spaces
Employer
Location
Oude Markt 13 Leuven, Belgium
Published
2024-08-01
Application deadline
2024-09-30 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2024-09-30 23:59 (CET)
Job type
PhD
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About the employer

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

Visit the employer page