International Association
for Cryptologic Research

The Security Research Group at University College Cork (UCC) is looking for two highly motivated PhD students, as part of the "CyberUnite" research project, funded by the Higher Education Authority and hosted at several universities in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The PhD students will focus on one of the following topics:

• Quantum Safe Lightweight Cryptography, under the supervision of Dr. Paolo Palmieri
• Security & Protection of AI Algorithms, under the supervision of Dr. Krishnendu Guha

Candidates should have a background/strong interest in security, cryptography and/or privacy, as well as a good grasp of mathematics. Previous experience in artificial intelligence or post-quantum cryptography is an asset, but is not required. Applicants should hold a good honours undergraduate or Masters degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, or other relevant subject.
The successful applicant will receive a stipend of €25,000 per year for up to four years (subject to successful annual progress reviews) and an annual contribution towards tuition fees. As part of the project, a travel budget is available to present at international conferences. The hired PhDs will be part of the CyberUnite team, and will also have the opportunity to work with the extensive network of national and international research collaborations of the Security Group.

Deadline: September 15

Recruited students will be expected to start in January 2026.

Closing date for applications:

Contact: Candidates are strongly encouraged to informally contact the supervisor by e-mail before applying: Dr. Paolo Palmieri at p.palmieri@cs.ucc.ie for the post-quantum cryptography project, and Dr. Krishnendu Guha at KGuha@ucc.ie for the AI security project.

More information: https://security.ucc.ie/vacancies.html