The Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) at Radboud University is looking for a PhD candidate in the area of post-quantum cryptography. In the past few years, post-quantum cryptography has been in the spotlight of the cryptographic community. The implementation advances in quantum computing have urged the community to start preparing for the era of quantum computers in which adversaries using quantum computers would be able to break virtually all cryptography widely deployed today. One of the alternatives is to also use quantum phenomena to protect the security of our assets. However, it is very unlikely that in the foreseeable future ordinary people will use, for example, quantum key distribution to secure their email communication. This is where post-quantum cryptography comes to save the day: post-quantum algorithms are classical algorithms that are resistant to quantum-computer-enhanced attacks. Several standardisation bodies are in the process of standardising post-quantum cryptography and Radboud University is actively involved in many of them.

As a PhD candidate in this area, you will investigate the security, efficiency and underlying mathematics of existing and new post-quantum cryptosystems. The research focus can be tuned to your interests. Some of the possible directions are: design of post-quantum alternatives to various cryptographic solutions for providing security and/or privacy; improvement of existing post-quantum designs to increase their efficiency; development of new or further improvement of algorithms for cryptanalysis (classical and/or using a quantum computer) of post-quantum schemes. You will be expected to generate relevant research in the chosen direction that can be further developed and applied in related problem areas.
You will pursue your PhD in a vibrant international research environment in the digital security group at iCIS, with renowned professors and researchers in various aspects of digital security and cryptography. At iCIS we value a diverse workforce. Female candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

• An MSc degree in computer science, mathematics or a relevant discipline.
• Solid programming skills and a solid knowledge of algebra.
• A good command of spoken and written English.
• Creativity, critical thinking, and good communication skills.

Fixed-term contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• A maximum gross monthly salary of € 2.972 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale P).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,325 per month, and will increase to €2,972 in the fourth year (p scale)
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• The intended start date is 1 September 2020.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent and collaboration. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde & Informatica

You will be appointed in the Digital Security Group of the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) at the Faculty of Science. The faculty is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Digital Security Group is one of the leading groups in computer security in the Netherlands and Europe, with, for example, 4 ERC grants in the last decade and a strong involvement in European projects. Furthermore, the Digital Security Group is one the most active groups that conduct research in post-quantum cryptography.