IACR News
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21 May 2021
Subspace Labs | Remote (based in SFBA)
Your Responsibilities
- Implement a fault-tolerant, load-balanced, and efficiently-retrievable distributed file-system based on the specifications in our white paper.
- Implement a simplified and streamlined Kademlia Distributed Hash Table (K-DHT) to serve as an indexing layer for the Subspace Network.
- Develop a torrent-style synchronization service for new farmers and a tit-for-tat bandwidth sharing mechanism for existing farmers.
Basic Requirements
- Experience employing or implementing peer-to-peer protocols including gossip networks, distributed hash tables, or distributed file systems.
- Theoretical background in distributed systems, such as peer-to-peer networking, as well as cryptographic fundamentals.
- Strong knowledge of a modern systems programming language, such as Rust, C++, or Go and willing to learn Rust.
Nice to Have
- Familiarity with the LibP2P networking stack.
- Familiarity with the Rust language and its ecosystem
- Familiarity with Substrate and the Polkadot ecosystem
- A passion for decentralized, peer-to-peer systems and Web3 technologies
Benefits
- A remote work environment with a high degree of autonomy and agency
- You will play a critical role in implementing a new layer one blockchain
- A competitive salary with generous token and equity grants.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Jeremiah Wagstaff
More information: https://jobs.lever.co/subspacelabs/6b2c3833-0bbb-409e-9484-049679390756?lever-origin=applied&lever-source%5B%5D=IACR
Subspace Labs | Remote (based in SFBA)
Your Responsibilities
- Implement a new Nakamoto style consensus algorithm based on a proof-of-useful-storage of the history of the blockchain itself.
- Decouple consensus and computation between two distinct classes of nodes, storage farmers and staked executors, through a system of fraud proofs.
- Implement a series of novel scalability proposals to increase throughput, decrease latency, and achieve fast finality in a permissionless setting.
Basic Requirements
- Experience implementing blockchain consensus protocols, especially Nakamoto style protocols based on proofs of work, stake, or space.
- Theoretical background in distributed systems, consensus algorithms, and cryptographic fundamentals with a focus on Nakamoto style consensus.
- Strong knowledge of a modern systems programming language, such as Rust, C++, or Go and willing to learn Rust.
Nice to Have
- Familiarity with the Rust language and its ecosystem
- Familiarity with Substrate and the Polkadot ecosystem
- Familiarity with proofs of space, storage, replication or space-time.
- A passion for decentralized, peer-to-peer systems and Web3 technologies
Benefits
- A remote work environment with a high degree of autonomy and agency
- You will play a critical role in implementing a new layer one blockchain
- A competitive salary with generous token and equity grants.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Jeremiah Wagstaff
More information: https://jobs.lever.co/subspacelabs/d5d62ccb-eaaf-43f4-83ad-11ebff2ce3a0?lever-origin=applied&lever-source%5B%5D=IACR
17 May 2021
Telecom Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Closing date for applications:
Contact: romain.alleaume@telecom-paris.fr
More information: https://institutminestelecom.recruitee.com/l/en/o/maitre-de-conferences-en-theorie-de-linformation-quantique-et-du-calcul-quantique-fh-a-telecom-paris-cdi
14 May 2021
Facebook AI Research, West Coast Labs
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Dr. Kristin Lauter
More information: https://www.facebook.com/careers/v2/jobs/1973651836107576/
Technical University of Darmstadt
We are looking for an outstanding scientist who will represent the topic area of cybersecurity in research and teaching. Successful candidates should demonstrate an outstanding scientific profile, with high-impact research contributions in the area of cybersecurity. A research profile that focuses on emerging application areas (e.g., machine learning & data science, IoT, decentralized systems) or on core topics of cybersecurity (e.g., hardware and network security, privacy) is desired. Successful collaboration in international research teams, with industry, or across research disciplines is desirable.
The professorship is expected to strengthen the department’s research focus on cybersecurity and offers the opportunity to participate in joint research projects currently running at Technical University of Darmstadt. This in particular includes the DFG Collaborative Research Center “CROSSING”, the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE, and the Hessian Center for Artificial Intelligence.
In addition to excellent scientific credentials, we seek a strong commitment to teaching and experience in attracting third-party funding as well as participation in academic governance. The Technical University of Darmstadt has a strong focus on engineering science and information and communication technology. The Department of Computer Science is one of the leaders in research and teaching and regularly ranked among the top German departments.
Please submit applications in English with the usual attachments (CV including research and teaching achievements, list of publications, copies of diplomas) as well as a research and teaching statement, quoting the code number 221, to the Chair of the Department of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Felix Wolf (dekanat@informatik.tu-darmstadt.de).
Further information: https://www.tu-darmstadt.de/universitaet/karriere_an_der_tu/stellenangebote/aktuelle_stellenangebote/stellenausschreibungen_detailansichten_1_40864
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Sebastian Faust, sebastian.faust@cs.tu-darmstadt.de
More information: https://www.tu-darmstadt.de/universitaet/karriere_an_der_tu/stellenangebote/aktuelle_stellenangebote/stellenausschreibungen_detailansichten_1_408640.en.jsp
Mondragon Unibertsitatea (Arrasate-Mondragon, Euskadi, Spain)
The Cybersecurity and Data Analytics research group at the University of Mondragon is looking for qualified applicants for a PhD position in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
Currently standardized public key cryptography, upon which widely deployed secure internet protocols depend on, is vulnerable to Shor’s polynomial-time quantum algorithm for the factoring and discrete logarithm problems. Moreover, substantial advances in quantum computing in the past decade have re-assured the scientific community about the necessity to build quantum-resistant cryptosystems.
PQC has raised as the preferred solution to face the threat that quantum computers pose to secure communications systems. The ongoing standardization process run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to define new standards for public-key encryption, digital signatures and key-exchange schemes has only augmented the attention towards PQC.
There exist several alternative problems to classical public key cryptography. Lattice-based cryptography, multivariate cryptography, hash-based cryptography schemes, isogeny-based cryptography and code-based cryptography can be used to design cryptosystems secure against both classical and quantum computers and are thus regarded as PQC algorithms.
There exist many paramount ingredients to take into account when considering the transition of secure internet protocols such as TLS, OpenVPN, or WireGuard to PQC. For instance, one of the main challenges that PQC raises is that, when compared to classical public key cryptography, its key sizes, ciphertext sizes or signature sizes, are often much larger. Also, the performance of PQC algorithms is generally worse than the one provided by present standards, and all these aspects vary depending on the specific PQC algorithm.
We are looking for students who are willing to conduct research on the impact of transitioning nowadays widely deployed secure internet protocols to post-quantum cryptography.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Marc Manzano
AAU Klagenfurt (Austria)
There is a job opening for a senior scientist (i.e. a fixed-term, non-tenured assistant professor) at the Cybersecurity Research Group at AAU (Klagenfurt). AAU is a young university: in 2018 it was in the QS top 50 under 50 list; it ranked 6th of all Austrian Universities in 2020.
The lecturer position is fixed-term for 3.5 years. The successful applicant is expected to do a small amount of teaching (2-4 contact/lecture hours per week during term time, subject specific only i.e. no service teaching) whilst contributing to the wider research agenda of the Cybersecurity group.
The Cybersecurity group (www.cybersecurityresearch.at) was recently established by Prof. Elisabeth Oswald (ERC Cog, EPSRC Leadership fellow) after her move from Bristol (UK) to Austria. The group's core expertise is in applied aspects of cryptography, in particular with statistical techniques that deal with the detection and exploitation of information leakage. The group wants to expand its repertoire, e.g. towards data intensive aspects of cybersecurity more generally and therefore seeks to appoint somebody with a a background in statistics/data science/AI who has an interest in cybersecurity applications of their research; or towards other relevant areas of (applied) cryptography including embedded security.
The minimum monthly gross salary for this position amounts to € 3.9k (14 times per year) and can increase to € 4.5k (x14) maximum in the case of consideration of previous occupational experience. The fixed-term employment contract is expected to commence in August 2020 (but this is negotiable). All details can be found here: https://jobs.aau.at/en/job/senior-scientist-all-genders-welcome-2/.
Informal enquiries can be directly directed to Elisabeth . Oswald@aau.at Formal applications have to be made via the AAU jobs portal: https://jobs.aau.at/en/ AAU is an equal opportunities employer and therefor particularly encourages applications of female researcher and in general researchers from underrepresented groups.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Elisabeth . Oswald @ aau . at
More information: https://jobs.aau.at/en/job/senior-scientist-all-genders-welcome-2/
University of Birmingham, UK
CAP-TEE: Capability Architectures for Trusted Execution
Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) shield computations using security-sensitive data (e.g. personal data, banking information, or encryption keys) inside a secure "enclave" from the rest of the untrusted operating system. A TEE protects its data and code even if an attacker has gained full root access to the untrusted parts of the system. In this project, we will use capability architectures (as e.g. developed by the CHERI project) to protect TEEs against such state-of-the-art attacks. We address a wide range of threats from software vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows to sophisticated hardware attacks like fault injection. CAP-TEE will provide a strong, open-source basis for the future generation of more secure TEEs: https://cap-tee.org/
The project is led by David Oswald. Our industrial project partners are also devoting time to the project, and the PhD student will have the opportunity to work with them.
The studentship covers a stipend and tuition fees based on UK home student rates (nb: the studentship does not cover the full tuition fees for overseas students.).
Candidates should have a good background in computer science. One focus will be on improving and evaluating the security of capabilty architectures; suitable candidates will hence need a strong background in system-level programming (e.g. using C or C++). We also expect a first-class UG or PG degree in a relevant subject (e.g. computer science or electrical engineering).
How to apply: There is no deadline for applying. The PhD candidate is expected to start in summer/autumn 2021. We will process applications as they arrive. To apply, please send your CV, a transcript with a list of courses and grades, and a description of your research interests to d.f.oswald (at) bham.ac.uk.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Dr David Oswald
More information: https://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/~oswalddf/phd-projects.php
The University of Manchester, Department of Computer Science, Manchester, UK
This is an exceptional opportunity to join the University of Manchester’s developing work in Cyber Security.
The Department of Computer Science is investing for growth in the Computer Science aspects of Information and Cyber Security. You will contribute to our portfolio of research and teaching in cyber security, and be willing to engage across discipline boundaries to apply your work. This will include engaging with a variety of business stakeholders and national agencies and government departments.
You will be part of a pan-university community contributing to Digital Trust and Security, including – but not restricted to – privacy, trust, data protection (School of Social Sciences), cybercrime, criminals, victims (School of Law) and work place security (Alliance Manchester Business School).
The Department of Computer Science is a leading research institution, and values exceptional researchers. You will publish to the highest standards, secure external research funding, pursue real-world impact, and contribute to the PGR training programmes within the Department.
The Department values exceptional teachers. You will play a key role in maintaining our reputation as an institute of learning – designing and delivering innovative undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) topics, not only in Cyber Security, but also across the spectrum of Computer Science. Exceptional teachers are encouraged to demonstrate this in their application.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Name: Professor Robert Stevens
Email: robert.stevens@manchester.ac.uk
More information: https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?isPreview=Yes&jobid=20096
University of Florida, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Gainesville, Florida
Closing date for applications:
Contact: tehranipoor@ufl.edu
More information: https://facultyjobs.hr.ufl.edu/posting/87357
11 May 2021
Ethereum Foundation (remote)
About the Role: The candidate will be expected to research cryptographic protocols that will be useful in blockchain applications or more generally. They will additionally dedicate some fraction of their time to projects that more directly benefit Ethereum. There is a lot of flexibility to work on topics they find interesting and also to collaborate with other teams for example in academia. We have a culture of open source and no patents will be put on any work they produce. The role is remote. The position is permanent however the details of the contract will depend on the location and personal circumstances of the candidate.
Requirements: The successful candidate will have a PhD in either cryptography, consensus, or a closely related field. They will have a strong track record of publishing in top tier conferences and a clear vision of how they wish to continue their research for the benefit of blockchain and other communities. They will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a larger team. The candidate should be able to prototype their protocols/algorithms in a programming language of their choice.
The focus of this position is on Zero Knowledge Virtual Machines. Experience with the following is an advantage but not required:- Zero-Knowledge proof schemes such as Pairing-based SNARKs (Groth16, PLONK), Bulletproofs, STARKs, etc.
- Different arithmetization schemes such as AIR, R1CS, PLONK.
- Different methods of implementing recursive SNARKs.
- Implementing RAM in SNARKs, e.g. TinyRAM.
- Knowledge of how virtual machines work and how to scale them.
Interested candidates that have more diverse skills but do not fit the above requirements should also consider applying as there may be other roles within the foundation.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Please email cryptography@ethereum.org with a CV and a short document (either 1 or 2 pages) detailing how you have personally contributed to each of your publications. If you have contributed to any open source projects then additionally discuss this in the short document or provide links.
08 May 2021
Cryptanalysis Taskforce @ Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- tool aided cryptanalysis, such as MILP, CP, STP, and SAT
- machine learning aided cryptanalysis and designs
- privacy-preserving friendly symmetric-key designs
- quantum cryptanalysis
- theory and Proof
- cryptanalysis against SHA-3 and AES
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Asst Prof Jian Guo, guojian@ntu.edu.sg
More information: http://team.crypto.sg
07 May 2021
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Assistant Professor for Computer Science
at the Department of Computer Science at the Chair for Applied Cryptography. The professorship is to be filled by the earliest possible starting date for an initial period of three years. Upon successful evaluation, the appointment will be extended for another three years.
We seek to appoint a top early-career scientist who will develop outstanding expertise in the field of theoretical and applied cryptography and has excellent scientific expertise within the broad area of cryptography and/or areas of IT security closely related to cryptography. We welcome applications from candidates with research experience in the following topics:
- Efficient proof systems
- Homomorphic cryptography
- Postquantum cryptography
- Cryptography and machine learning
- Anonymity and privacy
- Cryptocurrencies
- Blockchain-based cryptography
Please submit your complete application documents (CV, research/teaching statement, list of publications, list of lectures and courses taught, copies of certificates and degrees, list of third-party funding) online at https://berufungen.fau.de by 21.06.2021.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Dominique Schröder
More information: https://www.fau.de
Chaincode Labs
Chaincode Labs is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with a passion for ensuring privacy and security within Bitcoin and related technologies.
Chaincode Labs is a NYC research and development center focused on open-source contributions, original research, training new engineers, and building implementations of new systems and ideas. Past research efforts have contributed to faster block relay, more reliable fee estimation, more bandwidth-efficient transaction relay, and more (1, 2). Candidates joining Chaincode should expect to make similarly significant contributions.
The person in this role will be expected to focus their research on applied cryptography and their applications in relation to the variety of challenges facing Bitcoin. This individual will disseminate, both internally and externally, the results of research activities through publications, seminar participation, internal documentation, etc. They will be encouraged to publish their findings in top conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
We are a well funded and staffed organization and have the resources to write software and provide critical infrastructure support.
Applicants Can Expect- Competitive compensation
- Excellent health care benefits
- Paid time off
- Retirement savings plans, generous parental leave, and commuter benefits
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Caralie Chrisco
caralie@chaincode.com
More information: http://www.chaincode.com
Xkey, Paris
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Houda Ferradi
More information: https://jobs.stationf.co/companies/xkey-1/jobs/principal-software-engineer_paris
06 May 2021
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a publicly funded research institute, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is home to a diverse community of leading scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and researchers from across the globe, transforming problems and roadblocks into pioneering research and technology prototypes that help move society ahead.
Cryptography Research Centre
In our connected digital world, secure and reliable cryptography is the foundation of digital information security and data integrity. We address the world’s most pressing cryptographic questions. Our work covers post-quantum cryptography, lightweight cryptography, cloud encryption schemes, secure protocols, quantum cryptographic technologies and cryptanalysis.
Position: Senior MPC Researcher
Skills required for the job
Qualifications
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Mehdi Messaoudi - Talent Acquisition Manager
More information: https://career22.sapsf.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=1323&company=technolo01
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a publicly funded research institute, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is home to a diverse community of leading scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and researchers from across the globe, transforming problems and roadblocks into pioneering research and technology prototypes that help move society ahead.
Cryptography Research Centre
In our connected digital world, secure and reliable cryptography is the foundation of digital information security and data integrity. We address the world’s most pressing cryptographic questions. Our work covers post-quantum cryptography, lightweight cryptography, cloud encryption schemes, secure protocols, quantum cryptographic technologies and cryptanalysis.
Position: Senior FHE Researcher
Skills required for the job
Qualifications
Closing date for applications:
Contact:
Mehdi Messaoudi - Talent Acquisition Manager
More information: https://careers.tii.ae/job/Abu-Dhabi-Senior-FHE-Researcher/571308722/
IMDEA Software Institute, Madrid, Spain
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Alexey Gotsman (https://software.imdea.org/~gotsman/)
More information: https://software.imdea.org/open_positions/2021-05-postdoc-blockchains.html
Clemson University
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Felice Manganiello
More information: http://apply.interfolio.com/87198
04 May 2021
Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
Current Research Directions:
Required Qualifications:
Appointment term: 1 year commitment to postdoctoral training is expected (can be extended depending on performance).
Appointment start date: 2021.09.01 (if possible, is it advisable to start in June or July).
Required Application Materials:
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Interested candidates should email their application materials to professor Changhoon Lee (chlee@seoultech.ac.kr) before May 31.
More information: https://cis.seoultech.ac.kr