PhD candidate in Information Systems: Regulatory Compliance in Digital Financial Services
- Luxemburg
- Freiberuflich
- Vollzeit
We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.Your roleSuccessful candidates will join the young, vibrant, and interdisciplinary FINATRAX Research Group, which builds bridges between business research and information systems engineering. The group conducts research on the application and the impact of digital technologies on organisations in the private and public sectors. Our team consists of international researchers with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, information systems, economics, management, law, and other fields, united in pursuit of sustainable technologies that positively impact society. For more information, please visit our website:The selected candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with specialisation in Information Systems (IS). In the context of Prof. Fridgen’s PayPal-FNR PEARL Research Grant and in strong synergy and collaboration with the FutureFinTech National Center of Excellence in Research and Innovation, the successful candidate will work on the project “Regulatory Compliance in Digital Financial Services from an Information Systems Perspective” (ReFIS).The rise of digital financial services – from mobile banking and digital wallets to decentralised finance (DeFi) and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) – has transformed the financial landscape, bringing both opportunities and significant regulatory challenges. At the same time, regulatory activity in the European Union (EU) has intensified, with a growing body of legislation targeting digital technologies more broadly – such as the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, and the AI Act. These frameworks are reshaping how digital financial services are developed, deployed, and governed. Against this backdrop, the ReFIS project will explore how regulatory compliance is conceptualised, designed, and operationalised within the domain of digital financial services, from an IS perspective. The research will focus on the socio-technical dynamics of compliance: how technological infrastructures, institutional logics, and regulatory frameworks interact to shape compliance practices and outcomes.The candidate will be involved in various international initiatives and engaged with different stakeholders. The candidate is expected to primarily but not exclusively deploy qualitative IS methods, with specific focus on case study research, taxonomy-building and design science research, as well as to conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders – e.g., regulators, supervisors, law enforcement agencies. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the creation of networking opportunities, such as conferences and other events, and will disseminate results through scientific publications in IS journals and conferences.For further information, please contact both, and .Your profile
- Master’s degree in Information Systems, Management, Law & Technology, International Relations, Political Science, or related fields.
- Strong academic writing and proficient verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of French, German and/or Luxembourgish is not required
- General understanding of and/or interest in financial compliance frameworks (e.g., AML/CFT, KYC, GDPR, PSD2)
- General understanding of and/or interest in EU legislation on digital technologies (e.g., AI Act, DSA, DMA, eIDAS2, MiCAR)
- Willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary context using diverse methods (e.g., dealing with both qualitative and quantitative data)
- Interest in engaging with stakeholders active in financial regulation, compliance and supervision
- A collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group
- The commitment to participate in the design and implementation of high-quality solutions that solve significant problems
- Self-initiative, creativity, curiosity, flexibility and enthusiasm to work
- Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
- A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
- A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
- A cover letter including:
- A statement on the candidate’s personal motivation for applying (why a doctoral program, why in Luxembourg, minimum 300 words)
- A statement on the candidate’s motivation for applying for this topic (minimum 300 words)
- Full CV, including the contact address and work experience
- Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree or equivalent)
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Location: Kirchberg Campus
- Planned start date: 1 September 2025
- Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
- Job Reference: UOL07656