Post-doc in digital ethnography of blockchain communities (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The researcher will explore new and existing governance tools (on-chain or off-chain) to design a series of decentralized governance models for blockchain communities, with attributes of transparency, accountability, representativity and inclusion. Each model will comprise three interrelated layers: (a) the code and protocols that define the governance by the infrastructure; (b) social norms that define the governance of the infrastructure; and (c) economic incentives or disincentives embedded into the platform that determine the overall pay-off structure. The work will draw from existing attempts at distributed governance—ranging from traditional market-based approaches (e.g. proof of work, proof of stake, futarchy) to more meritocratic and experimental approaches (e.g. liquid democracy, quadratic voting, etc.)—adjusting them or revisiting them as needed. Beyond actual decision-making, this research will also prototype alternative dispute resolution systems, combining on-chain and off-chain tools to ensure the existence of due process. Some of these models will be tested by the communities piloting the Participatory Action Research, providing essential data points regarding the extent to which these models do in fact contribute to achieving decentralized and participatory decision-making.

Activity

The post-doc researcher will be expected to undertake the following tasks:
* Support the work of doctoral students in investigating the operations of both formal and informal governance structures in blockchain communities;
* Work with a multidisciplinary team of legal scholars, political scientists, social scientists and computer scientists, to support pilots communities experimenting with new governance structures.
* Present the main outcomes of the research in international conferences, and publish in leading research journals.
Maintain fluent communication with international academic groups, blockchain projects and developers to facilitate collaboration and to promote cross-pollination of ideas.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate will need to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
* PhD (completed or planning to be submitted in less than a year) in law or political science, ideally focused on collective action, commons-based governance or related fields
* Demonstrated interest and pre-existing knowledge in any of the following topics: blockchain technology, peer-to-peer technologies, distributed governance, commons-based peer-production, science and technology studies, Internet governance.
* Fluency in English, excellent writing and presentation skills
* Be available for face to face meetings in Paris once every two weeks, when the current pandemic allows
In addition to the eligibility requirements, selection criteria will consider the applicant's academic record, research plan, research motivation, and knowledge/experience in the research areas of the project. Additional points will be given to any combination of the following requirements:
* Publication records in relevant conferences and/or journals
* Demonstrated interest and previous experience with blockchain technology
* Direct participation in existing blockchain communities or projects.
* Good teamwork and interpersonal skills, collaboration, empathy and adaptation.
* Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, autonomous and critical thinking
* Interest or experience in social movements, activism, commons-oriented initiatives, co-ops, and/or open collaborative communities
* Underrepresented minorities in the blockchain space to increase the team diversity

Your Work Environment

Flexible working-hours:
* The researcher will be able to work remotely, with regular face to face meetings.
* The research will be managed with a goal-oriented approach, focusing more on deliverables than actual working hours.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3131

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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