Student Research Assistant 20–30% (m/w/d)

Your tasks

Your Role

• Work with blockchain data providers (e.g., Dune Analytics) and help evaluate and select the most suitable data infrastructure for the project.
• Build and maintain datasets from Ethereum blockchain data (e.g., Uniswap V2/V3 swaps).
• Implement and validate detection algorithms for sandwich (front-running) attacks.
• Process and structure large datasets (Python, SQL, or similar tools).
• Conduct preliminary empirical analyses and data visualizations.
• Assist with documentation and reproducible research workflows.
  
  

Compensation

Compensation for this short-term position is based on the cantonal salary scales (Klasse F6/F7).

Application Deadline

Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. For further information about this position, please contact Prof. Samuel Häfner ( [email protected] )

Your profile

Qualifications

• Current Master's student in Economics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field (strong Bachelor's candidates may be considered).
• Strong programming skills (Python or similar required; SQL experience is a plus).
• Interest in empirical economics, market design, or financial markets.
• Experience with data handling and analysis.
• Blockchain / DeFi experience is a plus.
• Careful, reliable, and interested in research.
  
  

We particularly encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups

Location & workload:

The position is based at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Students from nearby Swiss universities are welcome to apply (expect to commute to St.Gallen at least twice per month). The employment rate is 20–30%. The duration is approximately 9-12 months (starting as soon as possible).

How To Apply

Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and copies of grade transcripts and certificates. In the cover letter, briefly describe your research interests, your motivation for joining the project, and how your background fits the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Institute of Economic Research and Policy (ERP-HSG) at the University of St. Gallen is seeking a highly motivated Student Research Assistant to work on a project on front-running and information leakage in blockchain-based markets, led by Prof. Dr. Samuel Häfner. The project studies how information leakage affects market outcomes in decentralized exchanges (DeFi) and aims to develop structural empirical evidence on front-running and its welfare implications. A key component of the project is the construction and analysis of large-scale transaction-level data from the Ethereum blockchain.

We are looking forward to your online-application stating the job ID

apply here

Inspirational Work Environment

At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.

Executive Education

We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.

Network

We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.

Family & Career

We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.

Equal Opportunities

The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.

Fit and Healthy

We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.

Further information on working at the HSG can be found here.

University of St.Gallen «A place where knowledge is created» - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 10'000 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3'500 researchers, educators and professional staff.