A fintech research institute set up by the People's Bank of China looks to be widening its blockchain development efforts.

The Shenzhen Fintech Research Institute has just announced a total of 29 job openings via the recruitment website Lagou.com, three of which focus on blockchain-related expertise.

Specifically, the institute is looking for a blockchain development engineer, a blockchain architect and a senior technical expert, who will be responsible for developing and optimizing a distributed network that will be capable of delivering "large scale transactions."

Based on the recruitment information, the requirements for the roles include expertise on fundamental blockchain protocol development, knowledge of public blockchains, as well as experience in distributed network, smart contract and peer-to-peer protocols.

The institute is also looking for a cryptography engineer that will be responsible for developing cryptography-related software and hardware products.

Launched by the Chinese central bank and the Shenzhen Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau, the institute's primary job is to undertake fintech and digital currency-related projects initiated by the central bank and the Shenzhen municipal government.

While the job openings do not specify what exactly the desired distributed network system will be used for, the institute trialed the so-called Bay Area Blockchain Trade Finance platform together with major banks in the country last year.

Among the 29 new job openings, the institute is also looking for a trade finance product director who will be "exploring innovative trade finance business models."

The recruitment efforts follow the PBoC's recent move to hire blockchain and legal talents for continuing the development of the country's central bank digital currency project.

PBoC image via Shutterstock