Universität St. Gallen
St.Gallen
Yesterday
Student Research Assistant 20–30% (m/w/d)
- 02 April 2026
- 20 – 30%
- St.Gallen
About the job
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.
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 (E-Mail schreiben)
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.
"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.
