International Association for Cryptologic Research

International Association
for Cryptologic Research

IACR News

If you have a news item you wish to distribute, they should be sent to the communications secretary. See also the events database for conference announcements.

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09 September 2016

University of Edinburgh
Job Posting Job Posting
Postdoctoral research position in blockchain technology at the University of Edinburgh

Applications for the post of a postdoctoral research associate are sought in applied cryptography and computer security with emphasis on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. 

The post is full time and is available from March 1st, 2017, or a mutually agreed start date, for a 24 month fixed contract.  An earlier start might be available.

The position is funded by EPSRC project OXCHAIN. The OXCHAIN project seeks to use distributed ledger technology to provide a secure platform for the emerging circular economy and demonstrate it through addressing specific challenges in the operation of the UK-based charity Oxfam.

The position to be filled will be a critical one in the project and will be tasked with the design, analysis and implementation of a novel blockchain system with suitable characteristics to support the development of an internal token economy. The researcher will also maintain a strong connection with other OXCHAIN team members that focus on design aspects and are tasked with the user experience dimension of the project.

Essential qualifications include a Ph.D. in Computer Science and a good understanding of both theoretical and applied concepts in computer security, cryptography, software engineering, distributed systems, peer to peer networks. Desired qualifications include familiarity with cryptocurrencies.

Closing date for applications: 1 March 2017

Contact: Aggelos Kiayias, Chair in Cyber Security and Privacy University of Edinburgh Informatics Forum, Office 5.16, 10 Crichton St, Edinburgh Midlothian EH8 9AB, United Kingdom Tel. +44 (0) 131 6505129, akiayias (at) inf.ed.ac.uk

(please put OXCHAIN position in the e-mail subject)

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Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited
Job Posting Job Posting

Job Responsibilities:

•To design and develop cryptographic protocols and schemes

•To design, analyze and implement cryptographic systems and related systems such as blockchain

•To study the latest cryptographic algorithms and protocols

Requirements:

•Master degree in computer science, electronic engineering or other relevant disciplines with 3+ years experience; less experience for PhD holders.

•Experience on cryptographic system design and cryptanalysis

•Deep knowledge on number theory and security proofs

•Hands-on experience with C/C++ and Java

•Preferably having experiences on using cryptographic libraries such as OpenSSL, MIRACL, PBC, etc.

•Experience on developing cloud computing systems an advantage, but not a must

•Strong interpersonal and communications skills

•Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2016

Contact: charlenechoo (at) astri.org

More information: http://www.astri.org/careers/work-at-astri/jobs/software-engineer-applied-cryptography/

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA
Job Posting Job Posting
Vernam Lab at WPI is looking for highly motivated and qualified candidates to fill PhD positions for research in embedded system security and applied cryptography.

Specific topics include:

* Cache-based side-channel attacks; analysis and countermeasures

* Physical fault and side channel analysis and countermeasures

* Secure embedded system design

Candidates should have a strong background in electronics, computer science or applied mathematics with interest in algorithms, computer architecture, and signal processing. Prior experience in software or hardware development, code analysis and code generation and/or signal processing is an asset.

We offer a competitive salary and an international cutting-edge research program in an attractive working environment. WPI is a highly-ranked research university in the Boston area, and offers the opportunity to collaborate with world-class faculty and students in a collegial environment. We maintain close connections with surrounding universities and companies.

Candidates can start as early as January.

Closing date for applications: 1 October 2016

Contact: Thomas Eisenbarth

teisenbarth (at) wpi.edu

More information: http://v.wpi.edu/positions/

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31 August 2016

Temasek Laboratories, National University of Singapore
Job Posting Job Posting
Temasek Laboratories at National University of Singapore, Singapore is seeking highly motivated professionals interested in conducting research in the area of post-quantum cryptography.

Applicants are expected to have a PhD degree in Mathematics/Computer Science/Engineering and a strong background in algebra or number theory.

Preferred candidates are expected to be proficient in C/C++ language, a team worker and able to conduct independent research.

Interested candidates will kindly email their CV to Dr Chik How Tan tsltch (at) nus.edu.sg.

Review of applications will start immediately until position is filled.

Closing date for applications: 15 October 2016

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30 August 2016

Visa Research
Job Posting Job Posting
The security research team at Visa research has openings for research scientists at all levels with expertise in areas such as, cryptography and cryptanalysis, user and data privacy, payments and cryptocurrencies, and distributed systems/cloud computing security. For more information visit our website: http://research.visa.com/

Interested candidates should kindly email their CV to research (at) visa (dot) com with the subject line Security Research Position.

Closing date for applications: 30 November 2016

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University of Bristol
Job Posting Job Posting
Applications are invited for 2 postdoctoral researchers and 1 PhD student in the theory and practice of side-channels. Each post is initially for 3 years, with flexibility for the starting date and any options to extend (depending on funds). Although a background in applied cryptography is a pre-requisite, we are interested in applicants who can demonstrate some experience with one or more of the following:

- side-channel attacks, with particular emphasis on practical aspects (e.g., acquisition and signal processing),

- use, low-level (e.g., processor architecture) understanding and reverse engineering of (e.g., ARM-based) embedded systems,

- the design and implementation of compilers (e.g., LLVM),

- hardware (e.g., FPGA) and software implementation of cryptography,

- use of HPC, experience in developing large scale (research focused) software.

Although a nominal closing date is listed below, this is a rolling advert: we will select applicants until all vacancies are filled.

Closing date for applications: 31 December 2016

Contact: Prof. Elisabeth Oswald, Elisabeth.Oswald (at) bristol.ac.uk

More information: http://www.bris.ac.uk/jobs/find/list.html?keywords=cryptography

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University of Luxembourg
Job Posting Job Posting
The researchers will be working under the supervision of Prof P Y A Ryan, head of the APSIA (Applied Security and Information Assurance) research group, http://wwwde.uni.lu/snt/research/apsia.

Research Associate in Information Assurance (M/F)

Ref: R-STR-5004-00-B

Fixed Term Contract 24 months (CDD), full-time (40 hrs/week), extendable to 36 months

Number of positions: 1

The research will be conducted within the VoteVerif project (Verification of Voter-Verifiable Voting Protocols), in collaboration with Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. The project aims to develop novel concepts, methodologies, and tools for specification, analysis, and assessment of information security properties. The focus is on voting procedures and protocols, and in particular on their essential features like confidentiality, coercion-resistance, and voter-verifiability. The approach of the project is holistic, in the sense that we plan to develop theoretical concepts (such as strategy- based metrics of information security) not for their own sake, but in order to apply them to an important domain of social life, and come up with guidance on the conduct of elections and novel designs for secure, usable voting systems. To this end, we are going to develop algorithmic tools that help to analyze the level of security and usability. Note also that, while we focus on voting procedures in the project, the concepts and tools being developed can be also applied to other domains where information security is important.

Closing date for applications: 7 October 2016

Contact: Prof Dr Peter Y A Ryan, peter.ryan (at) uni.lu;

or Prof Dr Wojtek Jamroga: w.jamroga (at) ipipan.waw.pl

More information: http://emea3.mrted.ly/15g3f

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University of Luxembourg
Job Posting Job Posting
The research will be conducted within the VoteVerif project (Verification of Voter-Verifiable Voting Protocols), in collaboration with Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. The project aims to develop novel concepts, methodologies, and tools for specification, analysis, and assessment of information security properties. The focus is on voting procedures and protocols, and in particular on their essential features like confidentiality, coercion-resistance, and voter-verifiability. The approach of the project is holistic, in the sense that we plan to develop theoretical concepts (such as strategy- based metrics of information security) not for their own sake, but in order to apply them to an important domain of social life, and come up with guidance on the conduct of elections and novel designs for secure, usable voting systems. To this end, we are going to develop algorithmic tools that help to analyze the level of security and usability. Note also that, while we focus on voting procedures in the project, the concepts and tools being developed can be also applied to other domains where information security is important.

Closing date for applications: 31 October 2016

Contact: Prof Dr Peter Y A Ryan, peter.ryan (at) uni.lu; or

Prof Dr Wojtek Jamroga w.jamroga (at) ipipan.waw.pl

More information: http://emea3.mrted.ly/15g2h

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29 August 2016

University of Surrey
Job Posting Job Posting
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Surrey is seeking to recruit a full-time researcher for up to three years.

The position offers the platform for the research fellow to work within a group and develop skills to become an independent researcher. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with Dr Treharne and Professor Schneider in the development or evaluation of security and safety systems (including IoT based Systems of Systems, distributed ledger technologies, transport systems, cloud architectures and data privacy systems). There is the opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute to setting the research direction within this.

The fellowship allows for flexibility in the profile of applicants:

· Practically-minded applicants who have good programming skills, experience in working in embedded systems, trusted execution environments and platforms, networking protocols and security, cloud security architectures and privacy schemes;

· Applicants with a background in formal verification techniques and security/safety analysis.

Experience in both is preferred but in-depth knowledge of only one is expected. Additionally, an enthusiasm to learn about the other area will be required. 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 a PhD in a relevant subject or be close to finishing or equivalent professional experience.

The post is available for 36 months, with some flexibility in the start date.

Salary range: £32600 to £34576

Closing date: 13 September, 2016

Interview Date: 26 September, 2016.

Closing date for applications: 13 September 2016

Contact: Dr Helen Treharne (h.treharne (at) surrey.ac.uk) and Professor Steve Schneider (s.schneider (at) surrey.ac.uk)

More information: https://jobs.surrey.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=032116-R

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University College London (UCL)
Job Posting Job Posting
Fully-funded PhD Position Available

Enabling Progress in Genomic Research via Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing

University College London (UCL)

Closing date for applications: 30 October 2016

Contact: Dr Emiliano De Cristofaro (google me)

More information: https://www.prism.ucl.ac.uk/#!/?project=196

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University of Bergen, Norway
Job Posting Job Posting
The Department of Informatics has a vacancy for a PhD position within cryptography. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years, starting in the beginning of 2017, and funded by the project “Modern Methods and Tools for Theoretical and Applied Cryptology” (CryptoWorld), awarded by the Research Council of Norway.

About the Department: The Department has 6 research groups, Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Optimization, Programming Theory, Reliable Communication and Visualization. The Department is ranked first in Norway with respect to the quality of its research by the Research Council of Norway. For more information visit our Web pages: http://www.uib.no/en/ii

About the project/work tasks:

Develop new methods of algebraic cryptanalysis and apply them to modern cryptographic primitives. Analyse how malicious software can affect the authentication in various applications. Improve the security and efficiency of cloud technologies by designing ciphers with special properties.

Closing date for application: 1 October 2016,

Closing date for applications: 1 October 2016

Contact: Professor Tor Helleseth, Tor.Helleseth (at) uib.no (Department of Informatics), (+47) 55 58 41 60 or Professor Igor Semaev, Igor.Semaev (at) uib.no (Department of Informatics), (+47) 55 58 42 79.

More information: https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/128402/stipendiat-i-kryptografi

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24 August 2016

Center For Cyber Security in New York University Abu Dhabi
Job Posting Job Posting
Goals and Responsibilities

The goal of this research project is to provide a wider analysis of the existing cryptologic constructions in order to provide the possibility of new approaches in the designs and analysis of cryptographic components. The conducted research will be in the context of symmetric cryptology and secure hardware implementations. A particular focus will be on the hardware design and analysis of symmetric-key primitives and components.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent experience. Candidates should have a background in symmetric cryptology, hardware cryptology, hardware security or related areas. The following are a list of essential skills for the considered post: Circuit Analysis and Design, Cryptographic Hardware Design (Reconfigurable Hardware, random number generation, lightweight cryptographic design, ALTERA hardware, FPGAs and Verilog VHDL programming), and Cryptographic Design and Cryptanalysis.

Terms of employment

The period of employment is one to two year(s) from the initiation of the contract. The potential start date is November 2016. The main location of the post is Center for Cyber Security in NYU Abu Dhabi.

Application Process

Submissions will be accepted through our online application no later than October 15, 2016. Please fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English. This includes a cover letter, research statement, curriculum vitae, diploma (an official translation into English), list of publications and three letters of reference. Applications and enclosures received beyond the stated deadline will not be considered.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Hoda A. Alkhzaimi at Hoda.alkhzaimi (at) nyu.edu.

(All interested candidates regardless of gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply)

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Employer

Closing date for applications: 15 October 2016

Contact:

Hoda A.Alkhzaimi

Hoda.Alkhzaimi (at) nyu.edu

More information: https://apply.interfolio.com/36948

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ISARA Corporation, Waterloo, Canada
Job Posting Job Posting
Founded in 2015, ISARA Corporation builds quantum resistant cryptographic solutions for today’s computing ecosystems. The ISARA Corporation vision is a world where consumers, enterprises and governments can benefit from the power of quantum computing with protection against quantum attacks. Our team has expertise building high performance cryptographic systems for constrained environments. We’re proud to be part of a collaborative effort with academic and standards institutions to raise awareness of the potential for quantum threats, and design and implement quantum resistant solutions for classical data security systems that will work globally.

We are looking for cryptographic researchers, with a PhD in Mathematics or Computer Science, to join our team. The ISARA Research Department is a group of dedicated individuals who focus on researching the latest advances in cryptography and pushing the envelope of what is possible. They are responsible for understanding the current state of the art and focusing on improvements in security and efficiency.

Closing date for applications: 31 December 2016

Contact: info (at) isara (dot) com with your resume.

More information: http://www.isara.com

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Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Job Posting Job Posting
The Digital Security group from the Radboud University, Nijmegen invites applications for two positions for postdoctoral researchers in the area of cryptography and security of embedded systems. The posts are for 2 years but can be extended upon positive evaluation. Salaries are internationally competitive and candidates moving to the Netherlands from abroad may qualify for a tax incentive scheme, where 30% of your income is tax free.

A successful candidate is expected to supervise PhD and MSc students, collaborate with the researchers from the DiS group (http://www.ru.nl/ds/) and perform research. He/she should ideally have background in some of the following areas:

1. Proofs of security by reduction

2. Mathematical tools for symmetric-key cryptanalysis

3. Design and analysis of cryptographic protocols

4. Cryptographic implementations and attacks (side-channel and fault attacks)

5. Systems security e.g. Android

Applicants should have already completed (or be close to completing) a PhD in computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline. We also expect an excellent research track record. The application requires: curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, and names of 3 persons that can provide reference about the applicant and her/his work.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Suitable candidates can be hired immediately.

Applicants interested in the position should send an email to the faculty members they would like to work with.

Contact: For enquiries about the positions, please contact

Lejla Batina, lejla (at) cs.ru.nl

Joan Daemen, joan (at) cs.ru.nl

Closing date for applications: 31 October 2016

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23 August 2016

University of Passau, Germany
Job Posting Job Posting
The Faculty for Computer Science and Mathematics seeks applications for a Junior Professor position in Hardware-Oriented Security. The professor is expected to work on scientific problems at the interface of IT security and Computer Engineering. Possible research foci include hardware-supported authentication, security properties, and physical cryptography. We are looking for an internationally visible candidate with a strong publication record, interest in joint research within the Faculty, and potential to attract third-party funding. The candidate is expected to strengthen the University-wide focus on IT security and to be open for interdisciplinary research within the Institute for IT Security and Security Law.

The advertised position does not include a tenure track option. The first appointment is for a 3-years period, with an option of an extension for another 3 years upon successful evaluation.

The position is associated with a teaching load of 5 hours per week before evaluation (within the first 3 years) and 7 hours per week after evaluation. Teaching programs in Passau are offered in English and German languages. German language skills sufficient for teaching are desired, but exceptional candidates with a credible commitment to achieve proficiency within the duration of the appointment will be considered.

Please consult the official (German-language) announcement for more details on the position and how to apply. Note that only the official announcement on the University web page is legally binding.

http://www.uni-passau.de/fileadmin/dokumente/beschaeftigte/Stellenangebote/2016-W_1-Juniorprofessur_Hardware_Oriented_Security.pdf

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2016

Contact: Prof. Ilia Polian

More information: http://www.uni-passau.de/universitaet/stellenangebote/

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Cyber Security Consulting - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Job Posting Job Posting
We are a fast-growing cyber-security consulting company based in UAE. With a team of 250+ experts from around the world, we provide services and solutions that are changing the cyber security landscape. Working with us means collaborating with enthusiastic professionals who are passionate about technology and creating next-gen cyber security solutions.

We are looking for an expert who has good familiarity with standards (SPs, CAVP, FIPS 140-2, CMVP, etc.). The incumbent must have expertise in design of end-to-end secure protocols with PFS and validation using mathematical proofs and test vectors. Expertise in existing network protocols (e.g., TLS, OpenSSL) and knowledge of inherent vulnerabilities, cryptographic security analysis and security proofs covering: Symmetric crypto and Modes of Operation (state of art block ciphers , Rijndael variants, stream ciphers, etc.), Public Key Crypto / PKI (RSA, ECC, ECDSA, ECDH, etc.), Hashing Algorithms, Random Number Generation Algorithms, etc. Must have expertise in theoretical cryptanalysis techniques: Based on underlying mathematics of asymmetric ciphers (IF, DL, EC schemes)

We offer a tax-free package and an opportunity to live in an advanced city with easy access to the rest of the world.

For more information on the role and the organisation, please send your resume to itjobsuae16 (at) gmail (dot) com

Closing date for applications: 31 December 2016

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22 August 2016

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Job Posting Job Posting
We invite applications for a PhD position in cryptocurrencies and their applications. The successful candidate will join Dr. Yuliang Zheng and Dr. Jason Teutsch\'s research group in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB).

We seek a student interested in advancing the security of Bitcoin and related distributed peer-to-peer systems, understanding the theoretical foundations of decentralized networks, and developing disruptive technologies. Work may include big data management, incentive structures and consensus protocols, smart contracts, financial services, Internet of Things, quantum algorithms, decentralized governance, certification, and other forms of distributed trust.

The successful candidate will receive a Graduate Assistanship package with a starting annual stipend of $19,500 plus health insurance benefits and tuition waiver. Birmingham and its surrounding area offers natural beauty and modest cost-of-living. Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field prior to commencement of study. Coding and analytic skills will be viewed favorably. Please see the website below for additional information, requirements, and application instructions.

https://cis.uab.edu/academics/graduates/doctoral-degree-program/graduate-program-prerequisites/

Indicate in your application materials your interest in this position.

Closing date for applications: 31 December 2016

Contact: Informal inquiries may be sent to either Dr. Zheng (http://cis.uab.edu/yzheng/) or Dr. Teutsch (http://people.cs.uchicago.edu/~teutsch/).

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20 August 2016

University of California Santa Barbara
Job Posting Job Posting
The Department of Computer Science at the University of California invites applications for an Assistant Project Scientist to be part of the research team of Dr. Cetin Koc in the areas of analog electronics as applied to random number generators; chaotic circuits analysis and design techniques; design, analysis, and random number generators, cryptographic hardware design; reconfigurable hardware design.

Apply via the UCSB Recruit. The URL is given below.

Closing date for applications: 5 September 2016

Contact: Dr. Çetin Kaya Koç

koc (at) cs.ucsb.edu

http://koclab.cs.ucsb.edu

More information: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF00802

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19 August 2016

University of São Paulo, Escola Politecnica, São Paulo, Brazil
Job Posting Job Posting
The Laboratory of Computer Networks and Architecture at the University of São Paulo is currently hiring researchers with background in cryptography for a 2-year post-doc position. The project is the result of a partnership with Intel (see http://www.fapesp.br/en/9719 for the CFP), and is focused on the analysis and design of hardware-friendly post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.

The main requirements for the application are (1) a solid background in cryptography, preferably (but not necessarily) with post-quantum primitives, (2) good design/programming skills, preferably (but not necessarily) in programming languages such as C and/or hardware description languages such as VHDL, (3) a track record of strong R&D capability, with relevant publications on top conferences/journals, and (4) be able to work with little supervision and to work well with other researchers, as well as have good presentation and communication skills in English (ability to speak Portuguese is considered a plus, but it is not mandatory). The candidates are expected to work closely with the industry partners in the project (mainly researchers from Intel) and produce valuable research material in time and with the required quality.

The application requires: an academic curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, and the contact information of at least 2 people that can provide reference about the candidate’s work. Applicants that have already completed or that are close to complete their PhDs are both welcome.

The post-doc fellowship is granted by FAPESP, following the rules that can be found at http://www.fapesp.br/en/5427. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, and only selected candidates will be contacted for interview. The process will remain open until the positions are filled or up to October 1st, 2016.

Closing date for applications: 1 October 2016

Contact: Prof. Marcos A. Simplicio Jr -- msimplicio (at) larc.usp.br

More information: http://www.larc.usp.br/en/content/security-group/

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04 August 2016

University of Wollongong, Australia
Job Posting Job Posting
The School of Computing and Information Technology is seeking a full time permanent Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Level B/C) to provide development, teaching within the Bachelor of Computer Science with Cyber Security major and Master of Computer Science/PhD, as well as research in the area of cyber security and related disciplines. The candidate is expected to be a research active in the area of cyber security, and he/she is equipped with sufficient experience for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

UOW is a leading Australian university with a history of outstanding achievements in teaching and learning, research and community engagement. It is fundamentally committed to providing our diverse body of students with an engaging world class and internationally oriented learning experience. The University has also established a strong research profile and an outstanding record of achievement in research performance and intensity over the last decade.

The successful candidate will have a national/international reputation in cyber security research field, innovative teaching experience, an established research profile and demonstrable commitment to positive change. You may be required to teach outside of standard business hours, offshore delivery and other locations, such as Liverpool, Sydney.

Candidates must address the selection criteria outlined in the position description. Submissions must be done via the website. No email submission is accepted.

For further enquiries, please contact Head of School, Professor Willy Susilo on wsusilo (at) uow.edu.au.

Closing date for applications: 11 September 2016

Contact: Professor Willy Susilo

More information: http://uow.employment.com.au/jobs/Lecturer--Senior-Lecturer-in-Cyber-Security/2333

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