Are you a creative and critical thinker who is passionate about cryptanalysis? And are you interested in developing novel cryptanalytic techniques against hard mathematical problems? Then join the Digital Security Group at the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences as a PhD candidate!

The Digital Security Group at ICIS, Radboud University, is looking for a PhD candidate in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as part of the NWO-funded PQstrong project. The goal of the project is to aid NISTs and other standardisation efforts for PQ digital signatures by providing new cryptanalytic methods and techniques for scrutinising the proposed designs and improving confidence in the security of the standards that come out at the end.

You will work on (side-channel assisted) cryptanalysis and design improvements of post-quantum cryptosystems. The research focus will be on developing novel (side-channel assisted) cryptanalytic techniques against hard mathematical problems used in emerging Fiat-Shamir signatures and modern MQ signatures. In addition, you will  work on proposing appropriate countermeasures against side-channel attacks with as little overhead as possible. You will be expected to generate relevant research in this direction that can be further developed and applied in related problem areas. Apart from research, you will also have 10% teaching responsibilities in the first three years of your PhD studies.

• You have an MSc degree in mathematics, computer science or a relevant discipline.
• You have solid programming skills and excellent knowledge of algebra and combinatorics.
• You have a good command of spoken and written English.
• You are a creative, critical thinker, and you have good communication skills.

Fixed-term contract: You will be employed 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 (4 year contract).

• It concerns an employment for 1.0 FTE.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,770 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,539 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed 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 (4 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

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. You will pursue your PhD in a vibrant international research environment. At ICIS we value a diverse workforce. Female candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
 
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