International Association
for Cryptologic Research

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers. Our researchers and engineers pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

The Cryptography and Privacy Research Group at Microsoft Research seeks graduate students in applied cryptography and privacy for spring and summer internships. Topics of particular interest to us include (but are not limited to) secure computing (FHE, MPC, TEE), ML privacy, end-to-end encryption, web privacy and security, post-quantum cryptography, and zero-knowledge proofs.

We offer internship projects ranging from protocol design and security analysis to crypto and privacy engineering, so we encourage PhD students with any relevant experience to apply.

Please apply at: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/job/945055/Research-Intern-Privacy-and-Cryptography

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Kim Laine, Melissa Chase, or Esha Ghosh

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Surrey is seeking to recruit a full-time researcher to the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security (SCCS). The successful candidate will join the new DECaDE Next Stage Digital Economy Centre for the Decentralised Digital Economy (http://decade.ac.uk), a multidisciplinary UKRI-funded Centre with the University of Surrey, the University of Edinburgh, and the Digital Catapult.

The Centre is initially focused on three themes: value co-creation in the digital economy, data trusts for identity and data, and the world of work and the gig economy. This post will work on challenges around decentralized identity and personal data, and approaches across distributed platforms such as Distributed Ledgers. The post-holder will also have the freedom and opportunity to shape further projects as the Centre develops.

Surrey is recognized by the National Cyber Security Centre as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and offers a thriving research environment with world leading researchers. Our research includes data privacy, privacy preserving security, applied cryptography, distributed and network systems, protocol design and analysis, and security verification.

The position offers the platform for the research fellow to work within a group and develop skills to become an independent researcher and to contribute to the DECaDE vision. The successful candidate will work under the direction of Professor Steve Schneider. Significant interaction with project partners is encouraged, and the dissemination strategy may involve national and international travel, with many personal development opportunities.

We are looking for applicants that demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, have strong communication skills and enthusiasm for developing their own research ideas. Applicants should have an understanding of cyber security, and how to design and reason about systems. Knowledge of Distributed Ledger Technologies would be an advantage.

The post is available for 24 months in the first instance to begin on February 1st 2021 or soon after.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Professor Steve Schneider: s.schneider@surrey.ac.uk

More information: https://jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=035220-R

The Coding and Information Transmission Group at the Institute of Computer Science, the University of Tartu, Estonia, is looking for a Research Fellow (post-doc). The position is available almost immediately (subject to necessary paperwork), and could last until 31 December 2022. The ideal candidate will have strength in one or more of the following areas:

• algebraic/combinatorial coding theory;
• coding techniques/coded modulations/practical LDPC and LDPC-like codes;
• coding for distributed data storage/PIR/load balancing;
• code-based cryptography.

University of Tartu offers internationally-competitive salary packages. Cost of living in Estonia is quite low, see e.g. http://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living. During the COVID pandemic, it is possible to start working remotely, and then to move to Estonia once the situation normalizes.

A successful candidate should:
• hold a Ph.D. degree;
• have a strong publication record at outstanding venues.

To apply, please submit the following documents (by email):
• Application letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Publication list

Deadline for applications: 15th December 2020

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Vitaly Skachek, e-mail vitaly.skachek at ut.ee, see http://www.cs.ut.ee/~vitaly/ . Do not hesitate to contact us in the case of questions.

We have 3 open positions for PhD students in the area of symmetric cryptography in the Digital Security group at Radboud University in Nijmegen. One position is on the study of provable security of modes of use, one on design of primitives supported by cryptanalysis, and one on protection against implementation attacks based on power, electromagnetic side channel analysis, and fault attacks. We focus hereby on cryptography based on permutations as in the sponge, duplex and farfalle constructions, especially suited for low energy consumption.

The Digital Security Group of Radboud University is one of the leading groups in computer security in the Netherlands and Europe, and one of the pioneers in permutation-based crypto and corresponding leakage-resilient modes.

The successful candidate should ideally have a master in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Electrical Engineering. Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

To apply, please send the following documents to dis-secr (at) cs.ru.nl, with the subject "PhD position in symmetric crypto":
- a motivation letter
- your cv
- your master diploma certificate (scanned)
- transcript of the courses you took (including grades)
- up to 3 references

Closing date for applications:

Contact: To enquire about the positions you can contact: Joan Daemen, joan (at) cs.ru.nl, Lejla Batina, lejla (at) cs.ru.nl, and Bart Mennink, b.mennink (at) cs.ru.nl

The stipend is open for appointment from April 1, 2021, or soon as possible thereafter.

We seek a PhD in Security in thing-to-cloud IoTalentum (http://www.iotalentum.eu) architectures for IoT ecosystems. The objective of the research is to identify and describe new models mapping, quantifying, forecasting and ensuring adequate levels of privacy and security within the distributed computing centers the IoTalentum cloud-to-thing continuum. To develop and testing of a hardware-free identification tool for computing centers to increase the level of security and privacy of collected data in IoT virtual environments.

The PhD is part of the opening of 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) positions within the IoTalentum project (www.iotalentum.eu). IoTalentum is a European Training Network (ETN) funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA). The MSCA ITN programme offers a highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions.

Eligibility Criteria
The applicants must, at the date of the call deadline, comply with the following eligibility criteria:

• To hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related field.
• To have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
• At the time of recruitment by the host organization, candidates should be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career.
• Candidates must comply with the European Commission’s mobility rule, meaning at the time of recruitment by the host organization, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the starting employment contract date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. The positions are open to all nationalities.
• To be proficient in English language

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Prof. Knud Erik Skouby (skouby@cmi.aau.dk) and Assoc. Prof. Sokol Kosta (sok@cmi.aau.dk)

More information: https://www.stillinger.aau.dk/vis-stilling/?vacancy=1134091

Multiple positions on all levels at the Ding Lab in Privacy Protection and Blockchain Security at the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications（BIMSA）

The BIMSA is a Mathematics research institution co-sponsored by Beijing Municipal Government and Tsinghua University. The BIMSA is located in the Huairou District of Beijing, and is part of Beijing’s strategic plans to build world-class new-style research & development institutions and national innovation center for science and technology. The BIMSA aims to develop fundamental scientific research and build a bridge between mathematics and industry applications. The director of BIMSA is the renowned mathematician, Prof. Shing-Tung Yau.

The Ding Lab in Privacy Protection and Blockchain Security will be led by Professor Jintai Ding and the lab currently has multiple open positions on all levels from full tenured professor to postdoc and research associate (without PhD) Anyone who works in related areas including (but not restricted to) computational algebra, computational algebraic geometry, number theory, mathematical optimization, quantum algorithms, post-quantum cryptography, multi-party computation, zero-knowledge proof, fully homomorphic encryption, privacy preserving algorithms, block chain, high performance computing, and algorithm implementations are welcome to apply. BIMSA offers internationally competitive salary packages and salary will be determined by applicant's qualification. Recent PhDs are especially encouraged to apply. A typical appointment for postdoc of BIMSA is for two-years, renewable for the third year with annual salary ranges from 300,000 RMB to 500,000 RMB depending on experience and qualifications. Ding Lab is an open lab with English as a working language. Interested applicants, please send email with CV to DingLab@bimsa.cn.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Jintai Ding

We are looking for a bright and motivated PhD student to work in the topics of information security and cryptography. The student is expected to work on topics that include security and privacy issues for resource-constrained devices (e.g., sensors) that rely on external untrusted servers in order to perform computations. More precisely, the student shall be working on investigating efficient authentication and verifiable delegation of computation mechanisms that provide: i) provable security guarantees, and ii) rigorous privacy guarantees. The position is funded with a competitive salary.
Research area: Research areas include but are not limited to:

• Verifiable computation
• Secure Multi Party Computation
• Privacy-preserving authentication
• Cryptographic primitives

Your Profile:

• A MsC degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or a relevant field;
• Strong mathematical and algorithmic CS background;
• Excellent programming skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Deadline for applications: 15 December 2020
Starting date: Beginning of 2021 or by mutual agreement

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Katerina Mitrokotsa

More information: https://jobs.unisg.ch/offene-stellen/phd-position-in-information-security-and-cryptography-m-w-d/6366821b-4848-4217-90d2-78e6b1096162

Applications are invited for two fully-funded PhD student position at the IMDEA Software Institute (Madrid, Spain).

The selected candidate will work with Marco Guarnieri (https://mguarnieri.github.io) on the design, verification, and implementation of countermeasures against CPU micro-architectural attacks.

Who should apply?

Ideal candidates have earned (or are in their last year of) a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Mathematics, with interest in at least one of the following areas:

• Computer security
• Computer architectures
• Program analysis and verification
• Formal methods
• Logics

Solid programming skills will be highly valued. The position requires good teamwork and communication skills, including excellent spoken and written English.

Working at IMDEA Software

The IMDEA Software Institute is ranked among the best European research institutes in the areas of Programming Languages and Computer Security. Located in the Montegancedo Science and Technology Park, it perfectly combines the sunny and vibrant city of Madrid with cutting edge research and inspiring working environment.

The institute provides an internationally competitive stipend, access to an excellent public health care system, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, and support for research related travel. The working language at the institute is English. Knowledge of Spanish is not required.

Dates

The duration of the position is intended to be for the duration of the doctoral studies. The ideal starting period is from early January 2021

Deadline for applications is December 20th, 2020. Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the positions are filled.

How to apply?

Applicants interested in the position should submit their application at https://careers.software.imdea.org/ using reference code 2020-11-phd-uarchsec.

Questions

For any questions about these positions, please contact Marco Guarnieri directly (marco dot guarnieri at imdea dot org).

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Marco Guarnieri (marco dot guarnieri at imdea dot org)

More information: https://software.imdea.org/open_positions/2020-11-phd-uarchsec.html

Applications are invited for one postdoctoral position at the IMDEA Software Institute (Madrid, Spain).

The selected candidate will work with Marco Guarnieri (https://mguarnieri.github.io) on the design, verification, and implementation of countermeasures against CPU micro-architectural attacks.

Who should apply?

Ideal candidates have earned (or are close to earning) a PhD in Computer Science or a related area with a promising publication record and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Computer security
• Computer architectures
• Program analysis and verification
• Formal methods
• Logics

Solid programming skills will be highly valued. The position requires good teamwork and communication skills, including excellent spoken and written English.

Working at IMDEA Software

The IMDEA Software Institute is ranked among the best European research institutes in the areas of Programming Languages and Computer Security. Located in the Montegancedo Science and Technology Park, it perfectly combines the sunny and vibrant city of Madrid with cutting edge research and inspiring working environment.

The institute provides an internationally competitive stipend, access to an excellent public health care system, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, and support for research related travel. The working language at the institute is English. Knowledge of Spanish is not required.

Dates

The duration of the position is intended to be for 24 months. The ideal starting period is from early January 2021.

Deadline for applications is December 20th, 2020. Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the positions are filled.

How to apply?

Applicants interested in the position should submit their application at https://careers.software.imdea.org/ using reference code 2020-11-postdoc-uarchsec.

Questions

For any questions about these positions, please contact Marco Guarnieri directly (marco dot guarnieri at imdea dot org).

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Marco Guarnieri (marco dot guarnieri at imdea dot org)

More information: https://software.imdea.org/open_positions/2020-11-postdoc-uarchsec.html

The CWI Cryptology group is looking for a young postdoc researcher interested in both codes and lattices in the context of cryptography. The goal is to make major progress in both research areas, by comparing them, by transferring techniques back and forth, or even by developing a unifying theory. All angles relevant to cryptography are considered, from construction to cryptanalysis, and from theory to practice.
The successful candidate will be working with Dr. Léo Ducas, within his ERC Starting Grant project ARTICULATE.

More details at : https://www.cwi.nl/jobs/vacancies/866541

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Léo Ducas : ducas AT cwi DOT nl

More information: https://www.cwi.nl/jobs/vacancies/866541

The Cyber Science Lab at the School of Computer Science, University of Guelph, Canada, has two fully funded PhD positions in Cybersecurity. The Cyber Science Lab is a research lab focused on advancing knowledge and practice in AI for Security and Security of AI systems. There are also many opportunities to work on industry projects in the lab. Normally PhD students work on two industry projects during their study and can make an additional 30,000 CAD/year through industry projects. For more details see https://cybersciencelab.org/open-phd-positions

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Ali Dehghantanha (ali@cybersciencelab.org) or Khodakhast Bibak (bibakk@miamioh.edu).

The Cyber Science Lab at the School of Computer Science, University of Guelph, Canada, is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Security of AI/ML systems. Strong applicants in other areas of Cybersecurity may also be considered. The initial appointment would be for one year and can be extended for another year. Salary will be in the range of $60,000 to $75,000 a year commensurate with experience, and extended health coverage is also provided. Candidates with strong track of publication or previous postdoc experience are normally receiving higher salaries. For more details see https://cybersciencelab.org/open-positions.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Ali Dehghantanha (ali@cybersciencelab.org) or Khodakhast Bibak (bibakk@miamioh.edu).

There are two Ph.D. positions opening at Dr. Jiafeng Harvest Xie's research group at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of Villanova University, Villanova, PA (west of Philadelphia), USA. The research topics of this position primarily focused on fault attack/detection related to the AI system and post-quantum cryptosystems. Interested ones are warmly welcomed to send their resume/CV to Dr. Xie through email: jiafeng.xie@villanova.edu

Requirements: preferred to be at the majors of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and related others. Familiar with fault attack and analysis will be desirable. Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ and HDLs. Good at English communication and writing. Great enthusiasm of doing research oriented tasks. Excellent team work member.

Degree: both B.S. and M.S. graduates or similar are warmly welcomed to apply.

Start date: Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 are both ok. It is always better to apply as early as possible. Positions are open until they are filled.

The 2021 U.S. News & World Report ranks Villanova as tied for the 53th best National University in the U.S.

Brief introduction of Dr. Xie: Dr. Jiafeng Harvest Xie is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of Villanova University. His research interests include cryptographic engineering, hardware security, and VLSI digital design. He is the Best Paper Awardee of IEEE HOST 2019. He has served the Associate Editor for Microelectronics Journal, IEEE Access, and IEEE Trans. Circuits and Systems II. He has also been awarded the 2019 IEEE Access Outstanding Associate Editor.

Contact: Jiafeng Harvest Xie (jiafeng.xie@villanova.edu)

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Jiafeng Harvest Xie

To further strengthen and complement the expertise in our group, we are looking for outstanding researchers and teachers in the area of computer security. We have three faculty openings at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Full Professor level (depending on the candidates, different combinations are possible). Possible focus areas for these positions include, but are not limited to, systems security, network security, hardware security, security analysis, usability of security, cryptography, formal methods in security, and privacy-enhancing technologies.

In the Master's programme in Computing Science our group is responsible for the specialisation in cybersecurity, and together with the Data Science group we are setting up a joint specialisation in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). As we seek to broaden our field of expertise, we especially encourage candidates in computer security disciplines outside the field of cryptography and those with expertise in both computer security and AI to apply. In view of our group's current gender balance, we strongly encourage qualified women to apply.

As we have multiple positions at different seniority levels available, the required qualifications for each of the three levels are different.

You will be appointed in the Digital Security Group at the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) of the Faculty of Science. The faculty is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Digital Security Group is one of the leading groups in computer security in the Netherlands and Europe, with, for example, 4 ERC grants in the last decade and strong involvement in European projects.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Prof.dr.ir. Joan Daemen, joan@cs.ru.nl

More information: https://www.ru.nl/english/working-at/vacature/details-vacature/?recid=1132394&pad=%2fenglish&doel=embed&taal=uk

Intrinsic ID is an embedded security company, specializing in authentication technologies that protect Internet of Things devices and payment transactions; ensure safe connectivity; authenticate sensors and semiconductor chips; and protect sensitive military data & systems. Our approach is based on patented techniques in SRAM PUF.

Intrinsic ID currently has four open positions to expand its R&D team in Eindhoven and support the development of Intrinsic ID’s security solutions and products.

Positions:

• Hardware Design Engineer
• Hardware Verification Engineer
• Embedded Security Engineer
• Sr. Embedded Software Engineer / Architect

What we offer at Intrinsic ID:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Career development opportunities in a fast-growing company
• Diverse and challenging problem-solving opportunities in a dynamic workplace
• An excellent working atmosphere
• The opportunity to be a part of a team with unparalleled experience in hardware and software security

Applications can be done directly on our website: https://www.intrinsic-id.com/company/careers

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Geert-Jan Schrijen, CTO (Geert.Jan.Schrijen@intrinsic-id.com)

More information: https://www.intrinsic-id.com/company/careers/

Monash University is ranked 55 in the QS 2021 world rankings and 64 in the Times HE 2021 world rankings. Monash University, Malaysia campus is recruiting 20 postdoc fellows in key areas including security/crypto+AI/ML: https://sites.google.com/monash.edu/postdoc/home High quality candidates who have a PhD, or are completing their PhD, are encouraged to apply. The candidate will join a team of security/AI researchers in collaboration with colleagues from the Australia campus. Current research directions including generative adversarial networks, adversarial machine learning, deepfakes, AI/ML for security. We also welcome crypto/security researchers looking to focus on crypto/security for/with AI/ML. Contact Professor Raphaël Phan for more details.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Professor Raphaël Phan

More information: https://sites.google.com/monash.edu/postdoc/home

A Postdoc position is available on the areas Cryptography and/or Blockchain. Candidates with interests in one or both areas are encouraged to apply.

The starting date can be anytime in Spring or Summer of 2021.

For more information and to apply please contact Prof. Foteini Baldimtsi at foteini@gmu.edu

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Foteini Baldimtsi

The University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and the chair of Cyber Security invites applications from PhD holders in the area of cryptography and information security. The researcher will join a group of researchers focusing in applied and theoretical cryptography, network and information security and privacy-preservation led by Prof. Katerina Mitrokotsa. We are affiliated to the Department of Computer Science (DCS) and the Institute of Computer Science. The postdoctoral fellowship is available for three years and a project proposal needs to be submitted that will be evaluated by the research committee.
Topics of research interest include:

• Verifiable computation
• Secure Multi Party Computation
• Privacy-preserving authentication
• Cryptographic primitives

Requirements:

• Publications in top venues in Cryptography and Information Security
• Young researchers who hold a doctorate (PhD) or will complete their doctorate within the next six months
• Young researchers with a completed doctorate (PhD) have been awarded the degree at most two years before 15th of Jan 2021.

Deadline for applicants to be considered: 7th of Dec. 2020
Deadline for project proposal: 15th of Jan. 2021
To Apply: Send your cv and research statement to aikaterini.mitrokotsa@unisg.ch with subject ''Post-doc Fellowship'' by the 9th of Dec. 2020

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Katerina Mitrokotsa

The CryptoLux group of the University of Luxembourg has a vacancy for a post-doctoral researcher in the area of symmetric cryptography. The successful candidate will contribute to a research project entitled Analysis and Protection of Lightweight Cryptographic Algorithms (APLICA), which is funded by the Luxembourgish Fonds National de la Recherche and the German Research Foundation. Starting in 2021, APLICA will run over a period of 3 years as a joint research project between the CryptoLux group and the Workgroup for Symmetric Cryptography of Ruhr-University Bochum. The mission of the APLICA project is to develop new cryptanalytic techniques for lightweight authenticated encryption algorithms and hash functions, and to design and implement new countermeasures against side-channel attacks that are suitable for constrained devices.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in symmetric cryptography or a closely related field. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong publication record that includes at least one paper at an IACR conference/workshop or one of the top-4 security conferences. Experience in software development for embedded systems or mounting side-channel attacks is a plus. Candidates with an interest to conduct research in one of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Cryptanalysis of authenticated encryption algorithms or hash functions
• Leakage resilience or leakage reduction by design (e.g. modes of operation)
• Security evaluation of leakage-resilient primitives or constructions

The position is available from Jan. 2021 on basis of a fixed-term contract for 3 years. The University of Luxembourg offers excellent working conditions and a highly competitive salary. Interested candidates are invited to send their application by email to Alex Biryukov before Dec. 15, 2020 (early submission is strongly encouraged, applications will be processed upon receipt). The application material should contain a cover letter explaining the candidate's research interests, a CV (incl. photo), a list of publications, scans of diploma certificates, and contact details of 3 references

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Prof. Alex Biryukov (alex.biryukov@uni.lu)

More information: https://www.fnr.lu/projects/analysis-and-protection-of-lightweight-cryptographic-algorithms/

The University of Luxembourg invites applications from M.Sc. holders in the general area of applied cryptography. Cryptolux.org is a team of cryptographers and security researchers interested in applied cryptography, cryptanalysis, privacy, cryptographic blockchains and is led by Prof. Alex Biryukov.

Area (potential topics of the thesis)

• Cryptanalysis and design of cryptographic primitives
• Lightweight block ciphers, hash functions, authenticated encryption schemes
• Privacy Enhancing Technology (Tor-like networks, privacy for cryptocurrencies, blockchains)
• Blockchain Cryptography
• White-box cryptography

The University offers a Ph.D. study program with an Initial contract of 36 months, with a further possible 1-year extension if required. The University offers competitive salaries and is an equal opportunity employer.

Starting date 1-Feb-2020 or later upon agreement. Early submission is encouraged; applications will be processed upon receipt.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Prof. Alex Biryukov

More information: https://www.cryptolux.org/index.php/Vacancies