International Association
for Cryptologic Research

a16z crypto research is a new kind of multidisciplinary lab that bridges the worlds of academic theory and industry practice to advance the science and technology of the next generation of the internet. In addition to fundamental research, we collaborate with portfolio companies to solve hard technical and conceptual problems. Research interns will have the opportunity to learn from the firm’s investment and engineering teams, although this is a research role with no responsibility for investment decisions. We are seeking students with a strong research background and an interest in blockchains and web3 to join the group for the summer. Specific research areas of interest include cryptography, security, distributed computing, economics (both micro and macro), incentives, quantitative finance, political science and governance, and market and mechanism design. This list is not exhaustive and we encourage applicants with different backgrounds who may have unique perspectives on the space to apply.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Joseph Bonneau

More information: https://a16z.com/about/jobs/?gh_jid=5766443003

Our research group is seeking a highly motivated PhD student with a strong interest in the design of secure and cryptographic hardware Integrated Circuits (ICs). We specialize in developing cutting-edge System-on-Chip (SoC) designs that incorporate innovative countermeasures against advanced hardware-level attacks. In addition to our hardware designs, we pioneer new methodologies to aid designers in verifying and optimizing the hardware-security features of advanced ICs. The incoming PhD student will play a pivotal role in a SoC prototype project focused on cryptographic chip design and will conduct comprehensive evaluations using hardware-level reverse engineering tools.

Qualifications:

• A solid understanding of the hardware design flow, from system-level down to gate-level, is essential for this position.
• Previous experience in IC tape-out, cryptographic engineering, and implementation attacks is considered a strong advantage.

Inquiries are welcome. Formal applications should go to https://gradapp.wpi.edu/apply/

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Patrick Schaumont (pschaumont@wpi.edu)

We have an opening for a two-year (1+1) postdoc position in the applied and provable security (APS) group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The APS group is working on provable security of cryptographic primitives and protocols considering quantum adversaries as well as the machine checking of such proofs. Recent works range from proposing new NIST standards (SPHINCS+) to new post-quantum secure communication protocols (PQWireGuard, PQNoise), and the formal verification of proofs for recent NIST standards and proposals (XMSS, Dilithium, Saber) in EasyCrypt. The group currently consists of two tenured professors and four PhD students.

The position is funded by a talent program grant of the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO). The successful candidate will carry out independent research in one of the research areas covered by the APS group under the supervision of Andreas Hülsing.

Applicants must hold a PhD and have a background in one of the topics related to the intended research area, including but not limited to: Cryptography, formal methods, or quantum information theory. This background should be demonstrated by relevant publications.

To apply, please visit https://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/postdoc-applied-and-provable-security-1029137.html

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Andreas Huelsing (email a.t.huelsing[at]tue.nl)

More information: https://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/postdoc-applied-and-provable-security-1029137.html

The University of Birmingham’s Centre for Cyber Security and Privacy is looking for a research fellow (postdoc) to work on our EPSRC-funded project on the security analysis of post-quantum cryptography algorithms.

The successful candidate will be employed on a full-time, fixed-term contract up to September 2026. Full-time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263. (Some) remote work is possible, depending on the circumstances. The University provides a range of employee benefits, as well as opportunities for career development and training. The project includes substantial funding for conference travel.

Applicants should have a PhD, or be close to completing a PhD, in a relevant subject (crypto, computer algebra, maths, etc.). We are particularly keen on applications with a quantum cryptanalysis or quantum algorithm background, but strong candidates with other backgrounds will also be given due consideration. Prior track record on post-quantum cryptography and cryptanalysis is also a plus.

The post-doc will be working in the Centre for Cyber Security and Privacy, which currently has 14 permanent academics as well as 21 postdocs/PhD students.

The application deadline is 16 Oct 2023. Applications have to be made online at: https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/3185/

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Informal enquiries can be made to Christophe Petit C.Petit.1@bham.ac.uk

More information: https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/3185/

My group is hiring Ph.D. students on AI security and Homomorphic Encryption accelerators.

We are seeking students who are passionate about research, motivated to explore new ideas, and willing to work in a team environment. You will be expected to work diligently, communicate your results in writing, and publish research papers in top conferences/journals in the field of hardware security.

A strong background in one or more of these topics is required: linear algebra, probability theory, cryptography, or digital hardware design. Prior experience with Verilog hardware description language (HDL), electronic design automation (EDA) tools for application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, or/and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) is preferred.

The candidate is expected to have excellent verbal and written communication skills. International applications: check the department website for GPA, TOEFL, and GRE requirements; visa sponsorship will be provided.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: The deadline to apply is January 15, 2024. Please contact Dr. Seetal Potluri (spotluri@albany.edu) for more information.

EURECOM is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join our research team under the supervision of Prof. Antonio Faonio. The selected candidate will work on a challenging and innovative research project focused on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and their applications in cloud scenarios. The primary objectives of this position are to advance the state-of-the-art in ZKPs, with a particular emphasis on zkSNARKs, and to explore novel applications of such protocols.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Antonio Faonio

More information: https://www.eurecom.fr/en/job/zero-knowledge-proofs

NUS-Singapore is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate in the field of cyber security with an emphasis on embedded and hardware security. Candidates with experience in one or more of the following are preferred: PUF, lightweight cryptography, post-quantum cryptography; designing novel cryptographic primitives and protocols; digital design on ASIC or FPGA platforms using hardware description languages; computer architectures and embedded software; side-channel analysis and fault attacks; and machine learning and artificial intelligence especially for security applications. Research topics include but are not limited to Physical unclonable function (PUF) secure cryptographic implementations in hardware and software; mechanisms against side-channel analysis and fault attacks security and privacy for IoT systems; post-quantum cryptography; In the first instance, candidates can discuss applications with Dr. Prosanta Gope via email (p.gope@sheffield.ac.uk). Who can Apply? (i) You should possess a strong research background, evidenced by accomplishments like publications in reputable research venues. (ii) You should exhibit high levels of motivation.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Dr Prosanta Gope (p.gope@sheffield.ac.uk)

The CryptoLux group of the University of Luxembourg has a vacancy for a post-doctoral researcher in the area of security/privacy of blockchains and smart contracts. The successful candidate will contribute to a research project entitled Advanced Cryptography for Finance and Privacy (CryptoFin), which is funded by the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR). Starting in September 2023, CryptoFin will run over a period of 3 years and be carried out in collaboration with the cryptography teams of Stanford University and Ethereum foundation. The mission of the CryptoFin project is to develop innovative solutions for some of the most pressing research problems in the blockchain domain, especially in the context of layer-2 protocols for off-chain transactions and the design of advanced cryptographic techniques like verifiable delay functions, proof-of-X systems with special features, and new MPC/SNARK-friendly primitives.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in cryptography, IT security, or a 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 blockchains and/or smart contracts is a plus. Candidates with an interest to conduct research in one of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Applied cryptography (especially design/analysis of symmetric cryptosystems)
• Cryptofinance and cryptoeconomics
• Privacy and anonymity on the Internet

The position is initially offered for 1 year, but an extension by 2 years is possible. The University of Luxembourg offers excellent working conditions and a highly competitive salary. Interested candidates are invited to send their application by email to Prof. Alex Biryukov before October 15, 2023 (early submission is encouraged). 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)

AIT is Austria's largest non-universitary research institute. Its Cyber Security team focuses on various aspects of security, including anomaly detection, cyber ranges, penetration testing, and cryptography. The cryptography group is conducting research in various directions, including secure communication, privacy-enhancing technologies, and long-term and post-quantum security. The group seeks to grow and thus has a vacancy for a researcher in related areas.

Requirements:

• PhD degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a related field, with a specialization on cryptology
• Profound knowledge in (public key) cryptography, including, e.g., federated computation, long-term and post-quantum secure communication, privacy-enhancing technologies, real-world crypto, zero-knowledge proofs and zkSNARKs
• Strong track record with publications at competitive academic conferences or journals (e.g., Crypto, Eurocrypt, Asiacrypt, TCC, PKC, CCS, S&P, USENIX, ESORICS, ...)
• Experience in the acquisition and execution of national and transnational research projects (e.g., H2020) is a plus
• Good knowledge of a programming language (e.g., C/C++, Rust, Java, Python) and software development is a plus
• Very good written and oral English skills; knowledge of German is not a requirement but willingness to learn German is expected

The salary starts from ~61k€/year, depending on experience. The review process will begin immediately and will continue open until the position has been filled.

Please submit your application including CV, cover letter, full list of publications, and contact details of at least 2 references via email to: stephan.krenn[at]ait.ac.at

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Stephan Krenn; stephan.krenn[at]ait.ac.at

This is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Cyber Security and Privacy on the EPSRC funded project "IOTEE: Securing and analysing trusted execution beyond the CPU", led by Prof Oswald and Prof Ryan.

Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) allow users to run their software in a secure enclave while assuring the integrity and confidentiality of data and applications. However, cloud computing these days relies heavily on peripherals (connected through PCIe) such as GPUs and FPGAs. In this project, together with researchers at the University of Southampton, we will thoroughly evaluate the security guarantees of the new TEE support in the PCIe standard. This could involve the use of formal modelling, as well as researching various software and hardware attacks and countermeasures against them.

We are looking for a person with a PhD in cyber security/computer science/electrical engineering. The candidate must have experience areas such as embedded security, binary analysis, physical attacks such as side-channel analysis and fault injection, and/or formal modelling. This needs to be evidenced through publications in highly ranked conferences/journals in the field. We also welcome experience in writing system level or low-level code in programming languages such as C, C++, or Rust.

The successful candidate will be employed on a full-time, fixed-term contract up to August 2026. Full-time starting salary is normally in the range £33,348 to £43,155. (Some) remote work is possible, depending on the circumstances. The University provides a range of employee benefits, as well as opportunities for career development and training. The project includes substantial funding for conference travel and equipment.

The post-doc will be working in the Centre for Cyber Security and Privacy, which currently has 14 permanent academics as well as 21 postdocs/PhD students.

The application deadline is 12 Oct 2023. Applications have to be made online at: https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/2681/

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Informal enquiries can be made to David Oswald d.f.oswald@bham.ac.uk.

More information: https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/2681/

With the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS), Paderborn University wants to establish an international research centre in the field of photonic quantum technologies. The aim is to develop new technologies for photon-based quantum applications as well as new theoretical and experimental concepts and research approaches. Ultimately, the focus is on understanding and controlling photonic quantum simulators and quantum computers.

Postdoc (f/m/d) (salary is according to E13 TV-L)

A position with 100 % of the regular working hours is available as of the next possible date. The employment is initially limited to three years and is based on the legal regulations of the Wissen-schaftszeitvertragsgesetzes (WissZeitVG).

Your duties and responsibilities:
• Establishment and expansion of an infrastructure for the integration of quantum computing in high-performance computing.
• Interface of PhoQS to the Paderborn Center for Parallel Computing (PC2) of the Paderborn University
• Supporting users, especially in the natural sciences, in the development and implementation of quantum algorithms
• Optimisation of quantum software platforms for photonic and gate-based quantum computing such as Strawberry Fields, Parceval or Qiskit in collaboration with HPC experts of the PC2
• Organisation and delivery of tutorials and workshops on the use of quantum software plat-forms (basic to advanced)
• Leading a team for the technical integration of quantum computing and high-performance computing

Hiring requirements:
• Completed PhD in computer science, mathematics or physics or comparable qualification
• Solid understanding of many-body quantum mechanics
• Practical experience in high-performance computing and/or in the use of quantum software platforms
• High motivation and willingness for interdisciplinary cooperation between computer science and physics
• Good knowledge of German and English, both written and spoken
• Friendliness, flexibility, ability to work in a team, initiative and willingness to work independently

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Please send your application including a CV (preferably in a single pdf file) using the Ref. No. 6105 by 30th September, 2023 to: bloemer@upb.de

More information: https://cs.uni-paderborn.de/en/cuk

The Symmetric Key and Lightweight Cryptography Lab (SyLLab) at NTU Singapore is looking for candidates for several Research Fellow/Post-Doc (from fresh Post-Docs to Senior Research Fellows, flexible contract duration) as well as PhD student positions on various topics:

• symmetric-key cryptography (cryptanalysis, design),
• machine learning,
• side-channels attacks,
• fully homomorphic encryption.

Postdoc candidates are expected to have a proven record of publications in top cryptography/security venues.

The positions will be funded by the 5-year National Research Foundation (NRF) Investigatorship grant from Singapore. Salaries are competitive and are determined according to the successful applicant's accomplishments, experience and qualifications. We offer an excellent research environment with a highly international team, with flexible working conditions, budget for conferences/equipment, etc.

Interested applicants should send their detailed CVs and references to Prof. Thomas Peyrin (thomas.peyrin@ntu.edu.sg). The review of applications starts immediately and will continue until positions are filled.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Thomas Peyrin (thomas.peyrin@ntu.edu.sg)

Subject: Study of new counter-mesures for improved security of post-quantum cryptosystems facing side channel analysis. The objective of this PhD thesis is manifold, a first direction is to follow the new initiative of PQC algorithms and participate in the study of the new proposals from the hardware attack standpoint. Indeed, even if the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) has initiated a standardization phase for a selected Key Exchange Mechanism (KEM) and three PQC Signature algorithms, the call for new algorithms is continuing to have alternatives on signature side. Indeed, the NIST officially launched a new Call for Proposals. For all these algorithms, implementation well protected against hardware attacks is a must have, especially for application with a high tradition in security, like banking, passport, . . . or where the fast growing deployment is demanding in terms of security, like automotive and IoT in general. To address this strong demand, the PhD student will address the practical validation counter-measures against side-channel attacks for the coming standard, and will also propose implementation alternatives.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Pierre-Yvan Liardet

More information: https://cms.eshard.com/uploads/sujet_cifre_eshard_lirmm_5d622a4c95.pdf

We are looking to recruit a full-time Research Fellow in Data Resilience, Security and Privacy. This is an excellent opportunity for a researcher to develop their own research agenda within the area of data resilience, security and privacy, and to work collaboratively with a team of colleagues working on related projects around privacy and security.

The role will be based in the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security (SCCS) within the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Surrey and we offer the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home. We welcome applicants who wish to pursue the role through flexible working patterns.

You will have the opportunity to conduct research within the context of the Defence Data Research Centre, funded by DSTL, in which SCCS is a partner, alongside the Universities of Exeter and Liverpool, and the Digital Catapult. The Centre is focusing on problems related to the use of data for Artificial Intelligence applications, particularly around the challenges of bringing raw data to the state where it can be used. We consider these problems within a defence context, such as logistics support, object tracking and data wrangling. SCCS is focused on the area of data resilience, security and privacy, considering problems such as the trustworthiness of data and issues around anonymisation. The successful candidate will work under the direction of Professor Steve Schneider together with the support of other colleagues at Surrey and DDRC. The post holder will have exposure to the Centre’s broader research agenda in the areas of trusted computing, data privacy, privacy preserving security, applied cryptography, and a range of cyber security topics and as such provides an excellent opportunity to influence research directions during the course of the appointment.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Professor Steve Schneider

More information: https://jobs.surrey.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=13521

With the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS), Paderborn University wants to establish an international research centre in the field of photonic quantum technologies. The aim is to develop new technologies for photon-based quantum applications as well as new theoretical and experimental concepts and research approaches. Ultimately, the focus is on understanding and controlling photonic quantum simulators and quantum computers.

Postdoc (f/m/d)
(salary is according to E13 TV-L)

A position with 100 % of the regular working hours is available as of the next possible date. The employment is initially limited to three years and is based on the legal regulations of the Wissen-schaftszeitvertragsgesetzes (WissZeitVG).

Your duties and responsibilities:
• Support in the construction and operation of a (photonic) quantum communication network and its combination with classical communication networks.
• Support for users of a quantum network
• Development and optimisation of quantum communication protocols, e.g. for key exchange protocols
• Organising and running courses on the basics and use of quantum networks and quantum communication protocols (basic to advanced)
• Leading a team for the operation of a quantum network and its integration into classical net-works

Hiring requirements:
• Completed PhD in computer science, mathematics or physics or comparable qualification
• Experience in the operation of communication networks and the design of network protocols (classical and/or quantum)
• High motivation and willingness for interdisciplinary cooperation between computer science and physics
• Good knowledge of German and English, both written and spoken
• Friendliness, flexibility, ability to work in a team, initiative and willingness to work independently

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Please send your application including a CV (preferably in a single pdf file) using the Ref. No. 6106 by 30th September, 2023 to: bloemer@upb.de

More information: https://cs.uni-paderborn.de/en/cuk

The research involves developing SW and HW security solutions and acceleration of core cryptographic primitives deployed at the Edge. The successful candidate will be part of a Horizon Network of Excellence for distributed, trustworthy, efficient and scalable AI at the Edge.
Responsibilities:

Security and privacy threat modeling.

Security evaluation and assessment.

Design and implement optimized privacy-preserving computation protocols for low-power general purpose processors.

Write research papers and project deliverables, and present findings at intessrnational conferences and workshops.
Specific skills required
To be considered for this position, you should have a PhD degree in computer science or mathematics or cryptography, with a strong publication track record in top venues. In addition, good communication and programming skills are required.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: jobs-cosic@esat.kuleuven.be

More information: https://www.esat.kuleuven.be/cosic/vacancies/

The research involves developing SW and HW security solutions and acceleration of core cryptographic primitives deployed at the Edge. The successful candidate will be part of a Horizon Network of Excellence for distributed, trustworthy, efficient and scalable AI at the Edge.
Responsibilities:

Design and develop secure mechanisms for authentication, aothorization, and access control for the distributed network.

Design and develop lightweight security mechanisms for Federated Learning, and SW/HW acceleration of relevant cryptographic primitives.

Write research papers and present findings at intessrnational conferences and workshops.
Specific skills required To be considered for this position, you should have a strong background in computer science or mathematics, with a specialization in cryptography or related fields. Ideally, you will hold a master's degree in a relevant discipline and have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Good programming skills, e.g., in C/C++/Python/Rust, will be merited.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: jobs-cosic@esat.kuleuven.be

More information: https://www.esat.kuleuven.be/cosic/vacancies/

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China. The John Hopcroft Center for Computer Science at SJTU seek candidates for faculty positions starting on a mutually agreed date. Appointment will be at all levels of tenure-track (Assistant/Associate Professor) positions. Strong candidates in all areas will be considered with special consideration given (but not limited) to Cryptography, Quantum Computing, Computer Architecture, Database, Operating System, Software Engineering etc. Faculty duties include teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, research, and supervision of student research.

The John Hopcroft Center for Computer Science at SJTU, founded in January 2017, focuses on the fundamental problems in computer science, exploring new theories and efficient algorithms for the future, and fostering talents in computer science. The center will provide a favorable international academic environment for faculty members. Professor John Hopcroft who is the director of the Center, 1986 Turing Award winner, has been working at SJTU since 2011. (https://jhc.sjtu.edu.cn/)

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vita (CV), a research statement and a teaching statement to jhc@sjtu.edu.cn. To ensure full consideration, please apply by June 30, 2024, although applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Prof. Haiming Jin (jhc@sjtu.edu.cn)

More information: https://jhc.sjtu.edu.cn/

The Department of Mathematics at Virginia Tech (http://www.math.vt.edu/) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Post-Quantum Cryptography and Coding Theory with a start date of August 10, 2024, at its Blacksburg, VA, campus. The successful candidate will have a strong background in post-quantum cryptography, algebraic coding theory, or closely related topics. Possible specialties include but are not limited to applied algebra, algebraic geometry, combinatorics, number theory, coding theory, cryptography, or a closely related area.

Appointment as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics is anticipated, but exceptional senior candidates will be considered for Associate Professor of Mathematics or Professor of Mathematics positions. Job requirements include a Ph.D. in mathematics or a related field at the time of appointment and an active research program, or, for a new Ph.D., strong promise for developing an active research program. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a distinguished research program and to provide effective instruction and advising to a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students. Additional responsibilities include continuing development of professional capabilities and scholarly activities, including travel to attend conferences and meetings, participation in the department, college, university, and professional service. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research, curriculum development, or outreach initiatives with other members of the Virginia Tech faculty.

An online application is required. To apply, please visit www.jobs.vt.edu, select “Apply Now,” and search by posting number 526909. Please include a cover letter, a CV, a research statement, a teaching statement, and a diversity statement as part of the online application. Each applicant should follow the instructions in the online application system to request that at least three references submit letters of recommendation.

Applications received by 11:59 pm EST on September 29, 2023, will receive full consideration.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Sarah McDearis (sworl9@vt.edu)

More information: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/526909/assistant-associate-full-professor

The UNSW Institute for Cyber Security wishes to offer a PhD scholarship for applicants with outstanding research potential and an interest in quantum-safe security measures for IoT deployments. This PhD scholarship is available to applicants who are interested in undertaking research for an academic collaboration project between UNSW and CSIRO, led by Senior Lecturer Dr Arash Shaghaghi and Professor Sanjay Jha. Proposals are particularly welcome from applicants who are interested in researching practical solutions that enhance the resiliency of IoT deployments within intelligent transportation against quantum-based attacks. The project will develop a systematic approach and devise a testbed for evaluating quantum-based attacks against IoT deployments in critical infrastructure. The project’s findings will inform quantum-safe migrations in intelligent transport systems both in Australia and internationally.

Amount

The scholarship stipend will be equivalent to the value of a Research Training Program Scholarship (for 2023, this rate is 29,863 AUD p.a.), plus faculty top-up (5,000 AUD p.a.). These scholarships generally receive favourable tax treatment.

Tenure

The starting date is flexible. Up to 3.5 years, subject to confirmation of candidature and satisfactory progress.

Selection criteria
Applicants must possess:

• an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline with a minimum Honours Class II, Division (I) that includes a substantial research component (or equivalent); or
• a postgraduate qualification in cybersecurity or a related discipline (including a substantial research component) with an average that equates to a minimum Distinction average at UNSW (75%); or
• equivalent research or professional experience, supported by references and a detailed CV.

International applicants must possess equivalent qualifications.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Dr Arash Shaghaghi (a.shaghaghi@unsw.edu.au)