International Association
for Cryptologic Research

At our department, which conducts research at the highest international level and offers several high-quality educational programs in Computer Science, we are now seeking 1-2 PhD students with a focus on Cryptography and Cybersecurity. The project focuses on the design and analysis of modes of operation for symmetric-key cryptography, including, but not limited to, message authentication codes, pseudorandom functions, encryption schemes, deck functions, hash functions, and hash-based signatures, for applications such as quantum-secure and post-quantum cryptography, and leakage- and tamper-resilient cryptography. It is supervised by Asst. Prof. Mustafa Khairallah. The research is expected to include a mixture of theory and practice. The selected students will be part of the Department of Computing Science at Umeå University, as well as the WASP graduate school. The exact research topics will be tailored to the selected candidate(s) from a range of possible topics. Examples can be found in the link below. Please see the link for information about the requirements and the application procedure. The starting date is negotiable, no earlier than 01/09/2026. For additional information, please contact Asst. Prof. Mustafa Khairallah.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: [email protected]

More information: https://umu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:933591/

Applications are invited for a Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate position for the project "Comprehensive security analysis of NIST Accordion mode proposals and their implications to hash functions over Galois fields”. For JRF position, the candidate should have M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering/Mathematics & Computing or related disciplines. Prior experience on cryptography along with a solid background in programming is essential and will be preferred. For RA position, a PhD degree in Computer Science and Engineering/Mathematics & Computing or related disciplines with specialization in cryptography is essential. Solid background in programming is also essential and will be preferred. The positions are based at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, and the successful candidates will join Prof. Raghvendra Rohit’s research group. Interested candidates can email to Dr. Raghvendra Rohit at [email protected] with their resume. Application deadline: May 31, 2026 for full consideration. After this deadline, applications will be processed as they arrive.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Dr. Raghvendra Rohit ([email protected])

The University of Latvia announces an open competition for a vacancy of tenured professor in software security and artificial intelligence applications in computer systems security for the purpose of increasing competence in the field of computer systems security. The tenured professor is expected to perform high-quality intensive scientific work in Latvia and internationally. The position includes both a motivating salary and support for the creation of a research group. A detailed advertisement can be found at: https://www.lu.lv/en/about-us/vacancies/tenured-professorship-in-the-area-of-computer-systems-security-in-computer-science-and-informatics-09122025-31012025/ The appointment can be made at the level of Full Professor or Associate Professor, depending on the candidate. The closing date is June 1, 2026. For informal inquiries, please write to Prof. Andris Ambainis at [email protected].

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Andris Ambainis, [email protected]

More information: https://www.lu.lv/en/about-us/vacancies/tenured-professorship-in-the-area-of-computer-systems-security-in-computer-science-and-informatics-09122025-31012025/

Cryptography, Security & Privacy Research Group at Koç University has multiple openings for summer research interns (at both undergraduate and graduate level). Topics include cryptography, cyber security, blockchains, artificial intelligence and machine learning, game theory and mechanism design. Apply via:

https://research.ku.edu.tr/research-outreach/summer-research/kusrp/

For more information about joining our group and projects, visit

https://crypto.ku.edu.tr/

All applications must be completed online. Applications with missing documents will not be considered. Applications via e-mail will not be considered. Application Requirements:

1. CV
2. 2 Recommendation Letters
3. Official transcripts from all the universities attended
4. Statement of Purpose

Internships are unpaid, on a voluntary basis, but can be performed remotely.

Deadline is 16 May 2026.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: https://research.ku.edu.tr/research-outreach/summer-research/kusrp/

More information: https://research.ku.edu.tr/research-outreach/summer-research/kusrp/

Cryptography, Security & Privacy Research Group at Koç University has multiple openings at every level. Accepted Computer Science and Engineering applicants may receive competitive scholarships including monthly stipend, tuition waiver, housing (accommodation) support, health insurance, computer, travel support, and lunch meal card.

Your duties include performing research on cryptography, cyber security, and privacy in line with our research group's focus, assisting teaching, as well as collaborating with other graduate and undergraduate students. Computer Science, Mathematics, Cryptography, or related background is necessary.

All applications must be completed online. Applications with missing documents or exam scores will not be considered. Applications via e-mail will not be considered. Application Requirements:

1. CV
2. Recommendation Letters (2 for MSc, 3 for PhD)
3. TOEFL score (for everyone whose native language is not English, Internet Based: Minimum Score 80)
4. GRE score
5. Official transcripts from all the universities attended
6. Statement of Purpose

https://gsse.ku.edu.tr/en/application/

Deadline: 15 May 2026.

For more information about joining our group and projects, visit

https://crypto.ku.edu.tr/

Closing date for applications:

Contact: https://gsse.ku.edu.tr/en/application/

More information: https://gsse.ku.edu.tr/en/application/

The cryptography group at IBM Research in Zurich is looking to hire a Ph.D. student to work on constructions and applications of lattice-based zero knowledge proofs. The group is one of the world-leaders in quantum-safe cryptography research and has significantly contributed to all three lattice-based NIST quantum-safe standards. Our current research emphasis is on practical zero-knowledge proofs based on the same foundations and their application to privacy-preserving cryptography. A motivated researcher should find this to be a very exciting environment to work in. A strong background in (applied) mathematics and some experience with cryptography is desirable. Additionally, the ideal candidate is someone who has a strong interest in high-performance implementations on modern CPU and/or GPU architectures. Zurich is consistently ranked as one of the top cities for living standards and the immediate proximity of lakes and mountains to the lab allows for the pursuit of numerous hobbies. IBM is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. You will join an open, multicultural research environment that values different perspectives and supports flexible working arrangements. Our goal is to help all genders and backgrounds thrive professionally while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Please apply via our career webpage: https://www.zurich.ibm.com/careers/2026_013.html

More information: https://www.zurich.ibm.com/careers/2026_013.html

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 32 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow. ATHENE is the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity and is one of the leading institutions in Europe and worldwide. Our contributors include the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as TU Darmstadt, Goethe University Frankfurt, and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. Through excellence-driven research, we jointly develop innovative solutions to pressing security and data protection challenges and work closely with national and international partners, including leading companies, universities, and research institutions in Europe, the USA, and Israel. Our department, Applied Cybersecurity, focuses cutting-edge problems in the foundations and applications of cryptography, including privacy‑enhancing technologies, secure and verifiable computation, and securing AI-driven system operating in adversarial environments. The department offers a dynamic and growing research team, with a collaborative and supportive environment for research and learning.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Prof. Dr. Adi Akavia

More information: https://jobs.fraunhofer.de/job/Darmstadt-Postdoctoral-Researcher-Cryptography-&-AI-%28Foundations-and-Applications%29-64295/1377969033/

We have a PhD internship position at Nokia Bell Labs in Belgium (Antwerp) for the autumn (September onwards):

Your profile (at least 3 of these):

• You have experience with FHE (+ applications).
• You have experience with MPC (preferred).
• You have good knowledge of lattices, and you are interested in PQ protocols.
• Not afraid of programming, using your favourite AI.

Our offer (at least 3 of these):

• 3 to 4 months internship.
• Fully paid.
• Office side by side with the Antwerp Zoo, working next to the rhinos.
• Helicopter landing pad for your vehicle.

You must be enrolled as a PhD student at a university. The salaries are on a European scale (at the Belgian PhD scholarship level).

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Emad Heydari Beni ([email protected])

Looking for two motivated PhD students to work on efficient post-quantum cryptography: quantum-resistant protocols that are provably secure, efficient, and relevant to blockchains, cloud services, secure computation, and privacy-preserving applications.

Possible directions:

Lattice-based cryptography, post-quantum threshold cryptography, blockchain protocols, secure multiparty computation, and post-quantum threshold cryptography. The work is theory-driven, with opportunities for prototypes and benchmarking.

The students will be supervised by Dr Sri AravindaKrishnan Thyagarajan and will be part of the Cybersecurity Research Cluster and SACT group in the School of Computer Science.

Funding:

The positions are funded for 3.5 years: AUD 42,754 per year, tuition fees, conference travel, and equipment support. The positions are in person. Start date is flexible in 2026 or 2027. Applications are rolling until filled. Optional paid teaching may be available.

Candidate profile:

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a Bachelor’s degree with first-class Honours or equivalent, or a Master’s degree. Prior crypto research experience is preferred. Strong TCS or maths candidates are encouraged.

Relevant background includes cryptography, algorithms, probability, complexity theory, number theory, lattices, and blockchains.

How to apply

Email with your CV, transcripts, a 200–300 word motivation and interests, and relevant thesis, publication, and referees.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: aravind[dot]thyagarajan[at]sydney[dot]edu[dot]au

The new positions in Computer Security and Privacy should conduct research in topics such as Computer Security and Privacy, including but not limited to cybersecurity, cryptography, privacy, data and integrity protection, computernetwork security, information technology security, software and application security, blockchain and smart contracts, computer forensics, intrusion detection and malware mitigation, security services and processes, security in hardware, human and societal aspects of security and privacy, among others. Requirements Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Cryptography, Cybersecurity, or a closely related field, with research experience in security and privacy, at the time of hiring. Applicants pursuing the Ph.D. in the mentioned areas will be considered. Due to the nature of our School the applicant will have the opportunity and should be willing to work collaboratively with other Departments in the School of Engineering. Previouspostdoctoral or international academic experience should be stated in the application. Candidates do not need to be fluent in Spanish at the time of application, but should be prepared to learn the language well enough to teach in Spanish in the short term (two years maximum). Fluency in English is a requirement. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to all aspects of academic life and public good of the institution. They must be highly motivated to continuously improve their teaching skills, have a genuine interest in getting involved with our graduate programs (specially the doctoral program) and be able to develop and maintain an active research agenda leading to high quality publications, securing research grants, generating and participating in interdisciplinary projects, leading scientific and industry-liaison initiatives, strengthening and creating national and international academic networks, etc. Applicants should submit their application through the website: https://tinyurl.com/2s3s6e2d

Closing date for applications:

Contact: [email protected] Additional information can be obtained by emailing the Department Chair, Dr. Valeria Herskovic ([email protected])

More information: https://dcc.ing.uc.cl/departamento/vacantes-academicas/

Lattice-Based Zero-Knowledge Proofs Ref. 2026_013 About the position The cryptography group at IBM Research in Zurich is looking to hire a Ph.D. student to work on constructions and applications of lattice-based zero knowledge proofs. The group is one of the world-leaders in quantum-safe cryptography research and has significantly contributed to all three lattice-based NIST quantum-safe standards. Our current research emphasis is on practical zero-knowledge proofs based on the same foundations and their application to privacy-preserving cryptography. A motivated researcher should find this to be a very exciting environment to work in. A strong background in (applied) mathematics and some experience with cryptography is desirable. Additionally, the ideal candidate is someone who has a strong interest in high-performance implementations on modern CPU and/or GPU architectures. Zurich is consistently ranked as one of the top cities for living standards and the immediate proximity of lakes and mountains to the lab allows for the pursuit of numerous hobbies. Please apply via our career webpage: https://www.zurich.ibm.com/careers/2026_013.html

Closing date for applications:

Contact: https://www.zurich.ibm.com/careers/2026_013.html

More information: https://www.zurich.ibm.com/careers/2026_013.html

PhD Position: Trustworthy AI in Collaborative Machine Learning

The Laboratory of Cryptography and System Security (CrySyS Lab) at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) invites applications for a fully funded, 48-month PhD position. This role is part of the NKKP STARTING project focusing on the holistic science of Trustworthy AI.

Research Context: Collaborative Machine Learning (Federated Learning) is essential for a democratic AI ecosystem but faces risks like data poisoning, information leakage, and bias. This research moves beyond treating trust pillars — Security, Privacy, Fairness, and Explainability — in isolation. You will investigate the mathematical trade-offs and higher-order dynamics between these objectives to develop a Pareto-optimal Holistic TAI Framework.

Candidate Requirements:

• An M.Sc. degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong mathematical foundations and robust Python programming skills.
• Excellent command of English (written and verbal).
• Interest in IT security, privacy-enhancing technologies, and ethical AI.

Funding and Benefits: This position offers a competitive financial package for 4 years:

• PhD Scholarship: Standard Hungarian doctoral stipend benefit.
• NKKP Salary Supplement: An additional monthly salary provided by the NKKP STARTING grant.
• Research Support: Full access to the Komodor HPC, GPU cloud resources, and LLM APIs.

Application Documents: Interested candidates should submit:

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Copies of M.Sc. and B.Sc. Diplomas.
3. Official Academic Transcripts.
4. Motivation Letter.
5. List of Publications.
6. Two Letters of Recommendation.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Balazs PEJO

Xiamen University, located in Xiamen—one of China’s top ten most livable cities—is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful universities in China. It has long been regarded as one of the leading academic institutions in Southern China. With its beautiful campus, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant academic atmosphere, Xiamen University offers an outstanding environment for research and professional growth.

We are now inviting applications for a postdoctoral position in the theory and practice of symmetric-key cryptography, with an initial appointment of two years. Potential research topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Design, analysis, and implementation of high-speed AEAD schemes for 5G and 6G systems
2. Design, analysis, and implementation of cryptographic hash algorithms
3. Security analysis and provable security of modes of operation

Candidates with a strong publication record in established cryptography and security venues are encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to send their CV and a motivation letter to Dr. Yaobin Shen (yaobin.shen [at] xmu.edu.cn).

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Yaobin Shen

The Chalmers CryptoTeam is recruiting! We are seeking a PhD student, who will work on transparency technologies ( key transparency and transparency logs) and post quantum security. We envision a new team member with some prior knowledge in cryptography, a genuine interest in the topic, and willing to work in a collaborative environment. The PhD duration is up to 5 years, including taking courses (part of the PhD education) and participating in teaching activities (up to 20% of the full time equivalent). The starting date for each position is flexible, but expected to be around Summer 2026 or earlier.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Asst. Prof. Elena Pagnin

More information: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14409&rmlang=UK

Job Title: Post-Quantum Cryptography Specialist Location: Remote (Dallas preferred) or Hybrid (ability to travel to Dallas TX when needed) Employment: Full-Time with a small company founded in 2017, the position comes with a base and equity Note: they can only hire US Citizens due to their relationship with the Department of Defense Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled Post-Quantum Cryptography Specialist to join a cutting-edge team focused on next-generation security solutions. This role will play a critical part in designing, implementing, and evaluating cryptographic systems that are resilient against quantum computing threats. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in modern cryptography, emerging post-quantum algorithms, and secure system design. Key Responsibilities: • Design and implement post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and protocols • Evaluate and integrate NIST PQC standardization candidates (e.g., lattice-based, hash-based, multivariate schemes) • Conduct cryptographic research, benchmarking, and performance analysis • Collaborate with engineering teams to embed quantum-resistant security into applications and infrastructure • Assess current systems for quantum vulnerability and recommend mitigation strategies • Contribute to secure architecture design for distributed systems, cloud platforms, and data pipelines • Stay current on advancements in quantum computing and cryptographic research Required Qualifications: • Strong background in cryptography, computer security, or applied mathematics • Hands-on experience with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms and frameworks • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Rust, or Go • Experience implementing cryptographic protocols and secure communication systems • Familiarity with NIST PQC standardization process and leading candidate algorithms • Understanding of classical cryptographic systems (RSA, ECC, AES, TLS, etc.) • Ability to translate complex cryptographic concepts into practical implementations Preferred Qualifications: • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Cryptography, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Jeff Hennigan, 469-936-1742

The Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the newly established Crypto4AI Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Tamer Mour.

The Crypto4AI Lab, will conduct cutting-edge research grounded in computer science theory and mathematics, aiming to establish solid foundations for next-generation cryptographic solutions tailored to artificial intelligence systems.

Research topics include, but are not limited to:

• Private inference
• Model integrity
• Model privacy
• Watermarking
• Cryptanalysis of new cryptographic assumptions

The research activity of the lab spans both theoretical and applied domains, including protocol design, Cryptanalysis, mathematical work, Experimentation with ML models, implementation and optimization.

AI4I provides a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment with strong institutional support, including access to dedicated software engineers, high-performance computing resources, and close interaction with industrial partners.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in computer science, mathematics or related fields.
• Strong background in at least one of the following areas or closely related disciplines:
  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Cryptography (theoretical and/or applied)
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Statistical Physics
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Start date: Flexible (as soon as possible).

Application:

• CV (including publications)
• contact information of three references.

Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: https://app.ncoreplat.com/jobsharingredirect/788404/postdoctoral-position-in-cryptography-for-machine-learning-it/research-and-development?type=1&platform=19&sharing=5056798

More information: https://app.ncoreplat.com/jobsharingredirect/788404/postdoctoral-position-in-cryptography-for-machine-learning-it/research-and-development?type=1&platform=19&sharing=5056798

This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly established team of Professor David Oswald at Durham, working in hardware and embedded security, confidential computing, trusted execution, secure AI, and related areas. This post is suitable for postdoctoral candidates with a wide range backgrounds relevant to cyber security, including but not limited to embedded/hardware security, security of AI systems, (post-quantum) cryptography, quantum algorithms, confidential computing/trusted execution, or microarchitectural security.

As the post is funded internally and not connected to a grant, there is substantial freedom and flexibility in scoping the research directions. Applicants should have a PhD (or be close to submission) in cyber security, computer science, maths, electrical engineering, or another relevant discipline. Candidates with extensive industry experience and a relevant publication track record might be exceptionally considered as well. A strong publication track record appropriate to the career stage is expected.

This post is fixed term for 1.5 years, with an opportunity for a 6-month extension subject to positive evaluation after the first year and funding availability.

Durham, the third oldest University in England, is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. The Department of Computer Science is one of the very best UK departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students.

To apply, please complete the online form at https://durham.taleo.net/careersection/du_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=26000319&tz=GMT%2B01%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FLondon

Applications close on 28 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in mid-May. Please submit:

• A CV (normally up to 2 pages A4)
• A cover letter
• A short statement identifying your publication that you feel is your strongest/most relevant research output with a brief justification.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: For informal enquiries, contact Prof David Oswald at david.f.oswald (at) durham.ac.uk

More information: https://durham.taleo.net/careersection/du_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=26000319&tz=GMT%2B01%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FLondon

The Chalmers CryptoTeam is recruiting! We are seeking a PhD student who will work on transparency technologies (key transparency and transparency logs) and post quantum security. We envision a new team member with some prior knowledge in cryptography, a genuine interest in the topic, and willing to work in a collaborative environment. The PhD duration is up to 5 years, including taking courses (part of the PhD education) and participating in teaching activities (up to 20% of the full time equivalent).

The CryptoTeam provides a welcoming, dynamic and forward-thinking environment. Chalmers University is located in Göteborg, Sweden. The starting date is expected to be by the end of Summer 2026 the latest. Only applications via the official portal (linked below) are considered valid.

Link to official ad: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14409&rmlang=UK

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Asst. Prof. Elena Pagnin

More information: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14409&rmlang=UK

LayerZero Labs is a research-driven protocol company building the infrastructure for cross-chain interoperability. We are looking for a Cryptographer to join our research team and contribute to the design, analysis, and implementation of cryptographic protocols at the core of our systems.

This is a full-time role based in Vancouver, BC. We provide relocation assistance and visa/immigration support for candidates requiring it.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze cryptographic protocols with a focus on zero-knowledge proof systems (SNARKs/STARKs), proof aggregation, and recursive composition
• Contribute to applied research translating theoretical constructions into production-grade implementations
• Evaluate cryptographic assumptions and assess security of existing and proposed primitives
• Collaborate with low-level systems engineers on performance-critical implementations in Rust/C++

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Cryptography, Mathematics, or Computer Science
• Deep expertise in the design and/or cryptanalysis of zero-knowledge proof systems or lattice-based schemes, including their related primitives
• Strong publication record or demonstrable open-source research contributions
• Comfort working at the intersection of theory and engineering — you can write a security proof, implement a cryptographic primitive, and benchmark code
• Experience with Rust or C++ is a strong plus
• Background in distributed computing or GPU development is a plus

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Kenneth Yun, Talent @ LayerZero Labs

More information: https://layerzero.network/zero

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focusing on the design and evaluation of post-quantum cryptographic solutions for next-generation communication systems.
The project lies at the intersection of cryptography, network security, and systems, with an emphasis on the integration and performance evaluation of quantum-safe mechanisms in 6G and IoT environments.
Funding covers tuition fees at the UK Home rate and includes a tax-free stipend (£21,805 per year, UKRI rate). International and non-UK applicants are welcome to apply; however, they will be required to cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees.
For more information, you can contact: Dr Vipin Sathi ([email protected]) Dr Essam Ghadafi ([email protected])

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Dr Vipin Sathi or Dr Essam Ghadafi

More information: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=comp2175