IACR News
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03 December 2019
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Job PostingApplicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or closely related discipline, and should demonstrate a strong commitment and capacity to initiate new funded research as well as to expand, complement, and collaborate with existing research programs in the OSU College of Engineering and beyond. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching, including developing new courses related to their research expertise. Applicants are also expected to mentor students and promote equitable outcomes among learners of diverse and underrepresented identity groups.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Mike Rosulek: rosulekm@eecs.oregonstate.edu
More information: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/80403
The University of Sheffield, Department of Computer Science
Job PostingUsers may enjoy a diversity of assisted services, personalised applications and targeted recommendations. However, spread concerns about user’s privacy are arising, mainly due to this massive collection of data.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work in one of the following areas of cybersecurity:
We look favourably on applicants who can demonstrate a knowledge of cryptography, machines learning, information security and who have strong programming and mathematical skills.
Within your statement, please make sure to discuss which area of research you are interested in and your academic background to support this. In the first instance candidates can discuss applications with Dr Nesrine Kaaniche via email (n.kaaniche@sheffield.ac.uk).
Required Qualifications:
Good first degree in Computer Science If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component.
Funding Details:
The studentship will cover tuition fees at the Home/EU rate and provide an annual stipend at the standard RCUK rates for three and a half years. The studentship is available from September 2019
Closing date for applications:
Contact: To apply for the studentship, applicants need to apply directly to the University of Sheffield using the online application system. Please name Dr Nesrine Kaaniche as your proposed supervisor.
TalTech, Department of Computer System; Tallinn, Estonia
Job PostingRequirements: We are looking for motivated individuals with a strong background in circuit design. Having a PhD degree is mandatory for this position, but candidates close to the completion of a PhD are also encouraged to apply. Previous expertise on Hardware Security is desirable. The candidates are expected to have the following core skills: Ability to describe digital circuitry (preferably in Verilog), Ability to write C++/python scripts for building small EDA tools, Familiarity w/ Cadence tools for IC design (Genus, Innovus, Tempus, Virtuoso, etc.), Strong writing and communicating skills (English) that are compatible with an entry-level research position.
Other skills are considered a plus: Familiarity with EDA tools from other vendors (Calibre, ICC, DC, etc.), Hands-on experience with tapeouts of digital ICs, In-depth understanding of hardware/software boundaries and security implications, In-depth understanding of crypto algorithms and their hardware implementations, Publication(s) in topics related to IC design and security, Experience on writing grant proposals and managing research projects
Closing date for applications:
Contact: Please submit your CV to Prof. Pagliarini by email (sanasc@ttu.ee) using the subject ‘Postdoc in Hardware Security’. Candidates with adequate backgrounds will be invited to interview over Skype. This position has an immediate start date.
More information: https://www.mendeley.com/careers/job/7310393/postdoctoral-researcher-in-hardware-security/
TalTech, Department of Computer System; Tallinn, Estonia
Job PostingClosing date for applications:
Contact: Please submit your CV and transcripts to Prof. Pagliarini by email (sanasc@ttu.ee) using the subject ‘PhD in Hardware Security’. Candidates with adequate backgrounds will be invited to interview over Skype.
More information: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BTY880/phd-positions-in-hardware-security
Shield Lab of Huawei International
Job PostingClosing date for applications:
Contact: Dr. Wu Shuang email: wu.shuang@huawei.com
More information: https://www.huawei.com/en/
University of Mannheim, Germany and University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
Job PostingTwo Research Assistants
for a collaboration project on
Privacy-Preserving Record Linkage.
Your key responsibilities: Scientific collaboration within the project of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Development of realistic attack scenarios for the combination of personal data and algorithms to prevent such attacks. In this interdisciplinary project between the two universities, methods for privacy-preserving linkage of sensitive personal data, such as patient data, are investigated and improved. The opportunity for further scientific qualification with the possibility of acquiring a PhD is offered.
Your profile: University degree in Computer Science, Computational Social Science or Statistics of at least 8 semesters. Required are programming skills, interest in the development of algorithms and discrete mathematics. In-depth knowledge of cryptography, computer security or mathematical game theory is of advantage.
- Occupation date: As soon as possible
- Duration of contract: 36 months
- Working time: Full-time position
- Payment: Pay group E 13 TV-L (min. 3800€/month)
The University of Mannheim and the University of Duisburg-Essen pursue the goal of promoting the diversity of their members. They aim to increase the proportion of women in scientific staff and therefore invite women with relevant qualifications to apply. Women with the same qualifications will be given preferential treatment in accordance with the state equality laws. Applications from suitable severely disabled and similar persons within the meaning of § 2 Para. 3 SGB IX are welcome.
Closing date for applications: 31 December 2019
Contact: Please send your application with the usual documents by e-mail to:
Prof. Dr. Rainer Schnell, e-mail: sekretariat.schnell (at) uni-due.de
PQShield Ltd.
Job PostingWe invite established Cryptography Engineers to join our development team. Candidates are expected to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in designing, implementing (production quality code), evaluating, and benchmarking various types of cryptosystems (i.e. public and symmetric key algorithms and cryptographic protocols).
You are not afraid to learn new mathematical concepts and have instincts for solid security engineering and elegant architectural design. Since our work is groundbreaking in many ways, our engineering roles require an inquisitive and creative mind (textbooks on post-quantum cryptographic engineering are yet to be written). Enthusiastic and skilful computer programmers are welcome and we encourage new research.
Experience with cryptographic libraries (e.g. OpenSSL and derivatives) is essential. Skills related to systems programming (Rust, C), network programming, mobile and embedded systems (ARM, RISC-V), hardware-software codesign (Verilog, VHDL), and even web application frameworks are beneficial.
The company is offering very competitive packages (including share option scheme, relocation, private health insurance, etc.).
To apply, please send your CV to jobs (at) pqshield.com
Deadline for applications is 15th of August 2019.
Closing date for applications: 15 August 2019
Contact: For informal enquiries, please contact Ali El Kaafarani on elkaafarani (at) pqshield.com
More information: https://pqshield.com
PQShield Ltd.
Job PostingWe invite established Cryptography Engineers to join our development team. Candidates are expected to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in designing, implementing (production quality code), evaluating, and benchmarking various types of cryptosystems (i.e. public and symmetric key algorithms and cryptographic protocols).
You are not afraid to learn new mathematical concepts and have instincts for solid security engineering and elegant architectural design. Since our work is groundbreaking in many ways, our engineering roles require an inquisitive and creative mind (textbooks on post-quantum cryptographic engineering are yet to be written). Enthusiastic and skilful computer programmers are welcome and we encourage new research.
Experience with cryptographic libraries (e.g. OpenSSL and derivatives) is essential. Skills related to systems programming (Rust, C), network programming, mobile and embedded systems (ARM, RISC-V), hardware-software codesign (Verilog, VHDL), and even web application frameworks are beneficial.
The company is offering very competitive packages (including share option scheme, relocation, private health insurance, etc.).
To apply, please send your CV to jobs (at) pqshield.com
Multiple vacancies are available and deadline for applications is 7th of August 2019.
Closing date for applications: 7 August 2019
Contact: For informal enquiries, contact Ali El Kaafarani on elkaafarani (at) pqshield.com
University of Edinburgh, School of Informatics, Security and Privacy Group
Job PostingOverview of the Project
In this project the candidate will analyse the security of lightweight symmetric-key algorithms such as block ciphers, stream ciphers and hash functions. The targets for analysis will be selected from the following groups: candidates for standardization submitted to the NIST lightweight cryptography (LC) competition, LC algorithms used in existing IoT applications, algorithms based on modular addition.
Candidate’s profile
- Bachelors or Masters degree in computer science, mathematics or related area
- Proficiency in English (both oral and written)
- Strong algorithmic skills and programming experience (C/C++, Python)
- Experience in competitive programming (IOI, CodeForces) and/or Capture-the-Flag competitions is a definite advantage
Studentship and eligibility
The studentship starting in 2019/20 covers:
- Full time PhD tuition fees for a student with UK/EU nationality (£4,327 per annum, subject to annual increment).
- A tax free stipend of GBP £15,009 per year for 3 years.
- Additional programme costs of £1000 per year.
Application Information
Applicants should apply via the University’s admissions portal (EUCLID) by 26 July 2019. After that date applications will be considered until the position is filled. Detailed application instructions including a list of required documents and a link to EUCLID are available on the university website:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/informatics/postgraduate/fees/research-scholarships/research-grant-funding/phd-in-cryptanalysis-of-lightweight-symmetric-key
Closing date for applications: 26 July 2019
Contact: Dr. Vesselin Velichkov, vvelichk (at) ed.ac.uk
More information: https://bit.ly/2XmVygw
TU Darmstadt, Germany
Job PostingApplications are invited for a PhD student (Research Assistant) position in Symmetric-Key Cryptographic Design and/or Network Protocol Analysis. The position is funded through CRISP, the Center for Research in Security and Privacy (https://www.crisp-da.de).
Job Description
The Candidate is expected to perform scientific research in the areas of Symmetric-Key Cryptographic Design and/or Network Protocol Analysis. Specifically the design of Authenticated Encryption schemes (AEAD) that are lightweight or that offer resistance to side channels, and the analysis of cryptographic network protocols like Tor and Signal. The position is based in Darmstadt and will involve international travel to conduct and present research. We provide an optimal working environment and support the researcher to publish results at leading international conferences and journals.
The position is initially offered for three years but can be extended to a longer duration. The starting date is as soon as possible.
Your Profile
Completed a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with good grades in computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
Solid mathematical background and good problem-solving skills.
Fluent in English, both verbal and written, and good communication skills.
Motivated to conduct research work and able to work independently.
Proficiency in computer programming, computer networks, Latex, and system administration are considered beneficial but not necessary.
How To Apply
Please submit your application in English consisting of a motivation letter stating why you are interested and qualify for the position, your current curriculum vitae including two references, and copies of relevant certificates and detailed transcripts with grades.
Closing date for applications: 31 August 2019
Contact: Please send your application in a single PDF file to Jean Paul Degabriele (jeanpaul [dot] degabriele [at] crisp-da [dot] de) with the subject line “PhD Application”. Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Inria - Paris, France
Job PostingOur main topics are classical and quantum cryptanalysis of symmetric primitives, quantum algorithms for cryptanalysis and design of quantum-safe symmetric primitives.
QUASYModo is currently formed by 6 members, with regular visits of collaborators.
We have an available Post-doc position for 2 or 3 years for working on the project (the exact subject can be discussed and is flexible). Previous knowledge of cryptanalysis or of quantum algorithms is a requirement (the knowledge of both would be much appreciated, but it is not necessary).
Please, contact María for more information if interested.
Closing date for applications:
Contact: María Naya-Plasencia,
maria.naya_plasencia at inria.fr
More information: https://project.inria.fr/quasymodo/
www.forth.gr
Job PostingThe first position is for Mitigation of Cyberattacks in Wearable Devices and the second position is for Decentralized Privacy-preserving Data Sharing.
The positions are funded by the European Commission under the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) program RAIS, which focuses on the design of decentralized, scalable and secure collective awareness platforms for real-time data analytics and machine learning, which preserve end-user privacy and information ownership.
Closing date for applications: 31 July 2019
Contact: Prof. Evangelos Markatos
More information: https://bit.ly/2XJgfUZ
Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
Job PostingAcademia Sinica, at the very edge of Taipei, is the national research institute of Taiwan.
Here we have an active group of cryptography researchers, including Dr. Bo-Yin Yang, Dr. Kai-Min Chung, Dr. Tung Chou (joining soon), and Prof. Chen-Mou Cheng (adjunct with National Taiwan University), covering wide research topics in cryptography and actively collaborating with researchers from related research areas such as program verification.
We are looking for Post-Docs in PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography). Here PQC is broadly defined. Starting date is late 2019 to early 2020, for terms of 1 year, renewable.
Potential PQC research topics include cryptanalysis, implementation, and theory. Bo-Yin is in particular interested in people who have hands on experience with the design, implementation and/or analysis of cryptosystems submitted to NIST\'s post-quantum standardization project, and Kai-Min is looking for people interested in theoretical aspects of Post-Quantum Cryptography, such as security in the QROM model and novel (post-)quantum primitives and protocols. We are also particularly interested in people with diverse background to facilitate collaboration among our group members.
Requires background in mathematics, computer science and cryptography. We desire a research track record in some aspects of post-quantum cryptography, but are especially looking for researchers with a broad research spectrum going from mathematical aspects to the practical side such as implementation aspects.
We offer about 2200 USD (~2000 EUR) per month (commensurate with what a starting assistant professor makes locally) in salary and include a 5000 USD per year personal academic travel budget.
Closing date for applications: 31 December 2019
Contact: Bo-Yin Yang by at crypto dot tw
Kai-Min Chung at kmchung at iis dot sinica dot edu dot tw
02 December 2019
Zagreb, Croatia, 9 May 2020
Event CalendarSubmission deadline: 20 March 2020
Notification: 10 April 2020
Sibenik, Croatia, 15 June - 19 June 2020
Event Calendar01 December 2019
Badih Ghazi, Noah Golowich, Ravi Kumar, Rasmus Pagh, Ameya Velingker
ePrint Report- A nearly tight lower bound of $\tilde{\Omega}( \min(n^{1/4}, \sqrt{B}))$ on the error in the single-message shuffled model. This implies that the protocols obtained from the amplification via shuffling work of Erlingsson et al. (SODA 2019) and Balle et al. (Crypto 2019) are essentially optimal for single-message protocols. - A nearly tight lower bound of $\Omega\left(\frac{\log{B}}{\log\log{B}}\right)$ on the sample complexity with constant relative error in the single-message shuffled model. This improves on the lower bound of $\Omega(\log^{1/17} B)$ obtained by Cheu et al. (Eurocrypt 2019).
- Protocols in the multi-message shuffled model with $\mathrm{poly}(\log{B}, \log{n})$ bits of communication per user and $\mathrm{poly}\log{B}$ error, which provide an exponential improvement on the error compared to what is possible with single-message algorithms. They also imply protocols with similar error and communication guarantees for several well-studied problems such as heavy hitters, d-dimensional range counting, and M-estimation of the median and quantiles.
For the related selection problem, we also show a nearly tight sample complexity lower bound of $\Omega(B)$ in the single-message shuffled model. This improves on the $\Omega(B^{1/17})$ lower bound obtained by Cheu et al. (Eurocrypt 2019), and when combined with their $\tilde{O}(\sqrt{B})$-error multi-message algorithm, implies the first separation between single-message and multi-message protocols for this problem.
Kaisa Nyberg
ePrint ReportElif Bilge Kavun, Nele Mentens, Jo Vliegen, Tolga Yalcin
ePrint ReportChristophe Clavier, Léo Reynaud
ePrint ReportChristof Beierle, Alex Biryukov, Luan Cardoso dos Santos, Johann Großschädl, Leo Perrin, Aleksei Udovenko, Vesselin Velichkov, Qingju Wang
ePrint ReportIn this paper, we present a 64-bit ARX-based S-box called Alzette, which can be evaluated in constant time using only 12 instructions on modern CPUs. Its parallel application can also leverage vector (SIMD) instructions. One iteration of Alzette has differential and linear properties comparable to those of the AES S-box, while two iterations are at least as secure as the AES super S-box.
Since the state size is much larger than the typical 4 or 8 bits, the study of the relevant cryptographic properties of Alzette is not trivial.