International Association
for Cryptologic Research

We are looking for an excellent, motivated, post-doctoral researcher to work in the area of information security and cryptography. The post-doctoral researcher will join Katerina Mitrokotsa's research group (Chair of Cyber Security), working in the area of information and communication security with a focus on authentication protocols, verifiable delegation of computation, and secure multi-party computation. The position is available for one plus one year after a successful review evaluation.

Key Responsibilities:

• The post-doctoral fellow is expected to perform exciting and challenging research in the area of information security and cryptography including the design of provably secure cryptographic protocols.
• The post-doctoral fellow shall be involved in the supervision of PhD and master students

Your profile:

• The post-doctoral researcher is expected to have a PhD degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics and a strong background in theoretical computer science and cryptography
• Have an excellent publication record in top venues Competitive research record in cryptography or information security
• Strong mathematical and algorithmic CS background
• Good skills in programming is beneficial
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

The Chair of Cyber Security, is a part of the Institute of Computer Science (ICS) at the University of St. Gallen. The chair was established in autumn semester 2020 and is led by Prof. Dr. Katerina Mitrokotsa. Our research interests are centered around information security and applied cryptography, with the larger goal of safeguarding communications and providing strong privacy guarantees. We are currently active in multiple areas including the design of provably secure cryptographic protocols and cryptographic primitives that can be employed for reliable authentication, outsourcing computations in cloud-assisted settings, network security problems as well as secure and privacy-preserving machine learning.

Please apply asap.

Closing date for applications:

Contact:
Eriane Breu, eriane.breu@unisg.ch (Administrative matters)
Prof. Katerina Mitrokotsa, katerina.mitrokotsa@unisg.ch (Research related questions)

More information: https://jobs.unisg.ch/offene-stellen/postdoc-fellow-in-cryptography-information-security-m-w-d/c35410fb-40bb-41f2-b298-8be150d8f9b6

Event date: 2 July to 8 July 2023
Submission deadline: 12 February 2023
Notification: 2 April 2023

Event date: 5 July to 7 July 2023
Submission deadline: 7 February 2023
Notification: 15 April 2023

Event date: 18 November to 20 November 2023
Submission deadline: 30 March 2023
Notification: 10 June 2023

Event date: 19 June to 22 June 2023
Submission deadline: 9 March 2023
Notification: 19 April 2023

Quantstamp, the leader in Web3 security, is looking for an applied cryptographer. We are looking for professionals that are able to understand existing cryptographic protocols, as well as adapt them to specific requirements.

Technical Skills

• Our ideal candidate knows at least one zk-SNARK/zk-STARK proof system, or has a strong enough technical background to understand one (and this should have some direct connection to cryptography).
• Ability to code and develop software. You should have experience with at least one major language, like Python, Java, or C; the exact language is not too important.
• You should be familiar with versioning software (specifically, GitHub), testing, and a familiarity with algorithms and data structures. 
• Ability to read and interpret academic papers
• Ability to communicate ideas

Why Quantstamp?

• Compensation package and perks on par with Big Tech
• Remote-first company (work from anywhere in the world)
• Quarterly retreats in exotic locations

Curious about us?
Check us out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxqAlOJ7V3o

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Leonardo Passos, Hiring Manager

More information: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/quantstamp/6ae4fc70-98bb-42e1-9f24-c40e7af441cc

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow position to conduct research into the design and implementation of practical, robust and physically secure post-quantum cryptographic architectures. This research is part of the EPSRC Quantum Communications Hub project. Applicants must have at least a 2:1 Honours Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or closely related discipline and a PhD, or expect, within 6 months, to obtain a PhD, in a relevant subject. Applicants should have at least 3 years relevant research experience in one or more of the following: embedded systems design; FPGA or ASIC hardware design; expertise in post-quantum cryptography. Evidence of a strong publication record commensurate with career stage and experience is also essential.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Ciara Rafferty

More information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/QUBJobVacancies/ResearchJobs/

Michael Backes (https://cispa.de/en/people/backes) and Yang Zhang (https://yangzhangalmo.github.io/) at CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security (https://cispa.de/en) are looking for multiple fully-funded Ph.D. students and Post-Docs working on

• Trustworthy machine learning
• Online misinformation

CISPA is one of the world-leading research institutes concentrating on information security and privacy. It is constantly ranked top-1 in the field worldwide, see, e.g., CSrankings.org:  (http://csrankings.org/#/index?sec&world). Located in Saarbruecken, Germany, CISPA is the newest member of the Helmholtz Association (https://www.helmholtz.de/en/), the largest scientific organization in Germany fully committed to scientific excellence and to tackling the grand research challenges in their respective fields. The working language of CISPA is English and knowledge of German is not required.

Requirements:

• A bachelor/master degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or Mathematics
• Excellent English (knowledge of German is not required)
• Excellent programming skills
• Good knowledge about machine learning/data mining

What we offer:

• Full-time working contract (12-month E13-level salary, ~2,500 euros per month)
• Excellent research environment
• Strong supervision
• World-class collaborations

To apply, please send your CV to Yang Zhang (zhang@cispa.de)

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Yang Zhang

The Complex Cyber Infrastructure (CCI) group of the University of Amsterdam is looking for an ambitious researcher in the broad area of security and privacy, to further strengthen our research and education in this field. Depending on qualifications and experience, the new colleague will be employed either as Assistant Professor or as Associate Professor.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Zoltan Mann (z.a.mann at uva.nl)

More information: https://vacatures.uva.nl/UvA/job/Assistant-or-Associate-Professor-in-Security-and-Privacy/761330802/

The University of Innsbruck, located in the heart of the alps, has a tenure track opportunity in the field of cryptography.

The Department of Computer Science is looking for an ambitious researcher to build a bridge between the interdisciplinary approach taken by its Security & Privacy Lab and theoretical research groups, like Computational Logic and Theoretical Computer Science. Research activities would focus on producing evidence on the security or privacy of cryptographic systems covering theory and/or implementation. The individual should be comfortable teaching multiple approaches to cryptography. The ideal candidate would build a research group on cryptography in the course of the tenure process, the details of which are negotiated in the first year of employment as routinely done in the Austrian academic system.

Tyrol, Austria is one of the most livable places in Europe with world-class healthcare, excellent social security, and free education from kindergarden to university.

Applications are due on 7 March 2023. Follow the link above for more details.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Rainer Böhme -- rainer.boehme at uibk.ac.at

More information: https://informationsecurity.uibk.ac.at/pdfs/vacancy_cryptography_2023.pdf

We are looking for a German-speaking

Head of Cryptology Unit (m/f/d)

in the middle of Germany starting at the earliest possible date.

The most important resource for the Cyberagentur are satisfied, motivated and hard-working employees. Our goal is to offer an inspiring and creative environment in a great team. Our mission is to identify tomorrow’s topics in cyber security and related key technologies. We fund and supervise exciting and outstanding research projects. By doing so, we support Germany’s future technological leadership as well as the nation’s digital sovereignty.

Modern cryptographic methods are essential building blocks of the cyber security for tomorrow and beyond. At the Cyberagentur, you will work on current topics such as encrypted computing, zero trust and holistic authentication. With your team, you will accompany attractive calls for tenders in the field of cryptology research, be an essential part of the evaluation of research projects, and accompany commissioned research projects from initiation to completion, thus ensuring the quality and usability of the results. Internally, you will contribute to our knowledge management in this domain. Furthermore, you will take appropriate measures to ensure that Germany remains an attractive location for research in cryptology.

Have we aroused your interest? Then apply now!

You can find the exact details of the position in German on our career page.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Matthias Strauß

Head of HR

More information: https://app.connectoor.de/jobview?jobid=62d93ff0ddb2330e1d8b456e

We are looking for a German-speaking

Research Officer Cryptology (m/f/d)

in the middle of Germany starting at the earliest possible date.

The most important resource for the Cyberagentur are satisfied, motivated and hard-working employees. Our goal is to offer an inspiring and creative environment in a great team. Our mission is to identify tomorrow’s topics in cyber security and related key technologies. We fund and supervise exciting and outstanding research projects. By doing so, we support Germany’s future technological leadership as well as the nation’s digital sovereignty.

Modern cryptographic methods are essential building blocks of the cyber security for tomorrow and beyond. At the Cyberagentur, you will work on current topics such as encrypted computing, zero trust and holistic authentication. With your team, you will accompany attractive calls for tenders in the field of cryptology research, be an essential part of the evaluation of research projects, and accompany commissioned research projects from initiation to completion, thus ensuring the quality and usability of the results. Internally, you will contribute to our knowledge management in this domain. Furthermore, you will take appropriate measures to ensure that Germany remains an attractive location for research in cryptology.

Have we aroused your interest? Then apply now!

You can find the details of the position in German on our career page.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Matthias Strauß

Head of HR

More information: https://app.connectoor.de/jobview?jobid=62d506deddb233fc338b4579

Assistant Professor- Cyber Security Job Description The School of Informatics Computing and Cyber Systems at Northern Arizona University seeks a Tenure Track faculty member in the discipline of Cyber Security, with specialization in cryptography, blockchains, or related software-based cybersecurity areas. This faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in cybersecurity and related computer science topics along with special topics in their area of research expertise, will mentor MS and PhD students, and should demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) through their research and scholastic activities. This faculty member will have the opportunity to closely collaborate within SICCS with world-class researchers studying informatics, data science, ecology, health, cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, remote sensing, power systems, networks, and sensors, among other topics. SICCS and NAU have robust hardware- and software-based cybersecurity research programs, providing substantial collaborative opportunities. The State of Arizona is a world-class hub for the software industry, with many opportunities for industry engagement in the region. Minimum Qualifications Minimum qualifications include an earned doctoral (Ph.D. or Sc.D.) degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity or a closely related area before the appointment. Salary Commensurate with experience. Submission Deadline This vacancy will be open until filled or closed. Review of applications will begin on January 19, 2023. Equal Employment Opportunity Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/3778561

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Human Resources

More information: https://apptrkr.com/3778561

Are you excited about fundamental questions in quantum information science? Would you like to join the world-leading group of researchers at QuSoft in Amsterdam? We have various open positions for fully funded PhD and PostDoc candidates in the groups of:

• Stacey Jeffery (quantum computing and theoretical computer science);
• Ludovico Lami (quantum resources and entanglement theory);
• John van de Wetering (quantum circuit compilation);
• Christian Schaffner (key management in quantum networks, quantum-safe cryptography)

Applications received by 15 January 2023 will receive full consideration. For full details on the positions and how to apply, see

• https://vacatures.uva.nl/UvA/job/QuSoft-PhD/761215402/
• https://vacatures.uva.nl/UvA/job/PhD-in-Quantum-Safe-Cryptography/748964602/
• https://vacatures.uva.nl/UvA/job/QuSoft-PostDoc/761748202/

PhD: your salary will range between €2,541 in the first year to €3,247 gross per month in the last year of employment. A Master’s degree is required. PostDoc: your salary will range between € 2,960 and € 4,670 gross per month, depending on relevant experience.

In either case, these figures are based on a full working week of 38 hours. They do not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance the UvA offers. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Christian Schaffner

More information: https://qusoft.org/qusoft-vacancies/

Visa Research is a growing group within Visa. We are located in the Palo Alto. The team itself is highly collaborative, working together not only on projects and research but also known to go hiking and have lunch together. 

Currently, we focus on building research teams in key areas: Data Analytics, Cryptography, and Future of Payment(Blockchain), and Artificial Intelligence. We are looking for outstanding researcher interns as part of the growing team! 

Visa Research’s goal of security is to enable policy-enforced, full lifecycle protection for data at rest, in transit and during computation for all payment-related scenarios. We accomplish this through fundamental and applied research in the areas of security and cryptography.

The internship will focus on developing new and impactful research in the chosen area. You will work closely with our team members to define and solve a state of the art research problem. In most cases, the final deliverable will be a research publication at a top-tier conference. Candidates should have a strong publication record and be able to perform research in both a group and self-guided setting.

Specific areas of interest include but not limited to:

• Secure Multiparty Computation
• Post Quantum Cryptography
• Quantum Cryptography
• Zero Knowledge Proofs
• Blockchain & Consenous Protocols

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Peter Rindal perindal@visa.com

More information: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Visa/743999874588501-intern-visa-research-phd-

Applications are invited for a PhD project "Secure multi-tenant and federated satellite system". The full-time doctoral candidate will develop novel computer architecture required to support the security protocols proposed and/or standardized by CCSDS and will also propose new protocols. The student will also work on Software defined Satellite networking to enable programmability and reconfigurability of the system. The work will involve design of novel computer architecture and/or novel operating system and/or novel multiparty security protocol.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Dr Arnab Kumar Biswas

More information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/phd-opportunities/secure-multitenant-and-federated-satellite-system.html

Applications are invited for a PhD project "A Trusted Execution Environment based framework for securing legacy embedded systems". The full-time doctoral candidate will investigate existing Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) on COTS devices in Industrial control systems (ICS) and implement a framework which will allow the use of the COTS devices without any compromise on trust. In this case, the ICS operator will issue the applications for the COTS operator that will be able to communicate with the ICS devices using the required protocol and perform the necessary maintenance tasks. The project work will involve proposing novel architectural solution and/or novel operating system-based solution.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Dr Arnab Kumar Biswas

More information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/phd-opportunities/a-trusted-execution-environment-based-framework-for-securing-legacy-embedded-systems.html

A single-leader election (SLE) is a way to elect one leader randomly among the parties in a distributed system. If the leader is secret (i.e., unpredictable) then it is called a secret single leader election (SSLE). In this paper, we model the security of SLE in the universally composable (UC) model. Our model is adaptable to various unpredictability levels for leaders that an SLE aims to provide. We construct an SLE protocol that we call semi-anonymous single leader election (SASLE). We show that SASLE is secure against adaptive adversaries in the UC model. SASLE provides a good amount of unpredictability level to most of the honest leaders while it does not provide unpredictability to the rest of them. In this way, we obtain better communication overhead by comparing the existing SSLE protocols. In the end, we construct a PoS-protocol (Sassafras) which deploys SASLE to elect the block producers. Sassafras benefits from the efficiency of SASLE and gains significant security both to grinding attacks and the private attack as shown by Azouvi and Cappelletti (ACM AFT 2021) because it elects a single block producer.

In Private Set Intersection protocols (PSIs), a non-empty result always reveals something about the private input sets of the parties. Moreover, in various variants of PSI, not all parties necessarily receive or are interested in the result. Nevertheless, to date, the literature has assumed that those parties who do not receive or are not interested in the result still contribute their private input sets to the PSI for free, although doing so would cost them their privacy. In this work, for the first time, we propose a multi-party PSI, called “Anesidora”, that rewards parties who contribute their private input sets to the protocol. Anesidora is efficient; it mainly relies on symmetric key primitives and its computation and communication complexities are linear with the number of parties and set cardinality. It remains secure even if the majority of parties are corrupted by active colluding adversaries.

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) prevents online services from accessing user content. This important security property is also an obstacle for content moderation methods that involve content analysis. The tension between E2EE and efforts to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has become a global flashpoint in encryption policy, because the predominant method of detecting harmful content---server-side perceptual hash matching on plaintext images---is unavailable.

Recent applied cryptography advances enable private hash matching (PHM), where a service can match user content against a set of known CSAM images without revealing the hash set to users or nonmatching content to the service. These designs, especially a 2021 proposal for identifying CSAM in Apple's iCloud Photos service, have attracted widespread criticism for creating risks to security, privacy, and free expression.

In this work, we aim to advance scholarship and dialogue about PHM by contributing new cryptographic methods for system verification by the general public. We begin with motivation, describing the rationale for PHM to detect CSAM and the serious societal and technical issues with its deployment. Verification could partially address shortcomings of PHM, and we systematize critiques into two areas for auditing: trust in the hash set and trust in the implementation. We explain how, while these two issues cannot be fully resolved by technology alone, there are possible cryptographic trust improvements.

The central contributions of this paper are novel cryptographic protocols that enable three types of public verification for PHM systems: (1) certification that external groups approve the hash set, (2) proof that particular lawful content is not in the hash set, and (3) eventual notification to users of false positive matches. The protocols that we describe are practical, efficient, and compatible with existing PHM constructions.