Research Fellow - Security Analysis of Classical and Post-Quantum Public Key Cryptography Assumptions

Post Type: Full Time, Fixed Term

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, to work on the EPSRC-funded project “PKC-Sec: Security Analysis of Classical and Post-Quantum Public Key Cryptography Assumptions”. The successful post holder is expected to start as soon as possible after accepting the position and will be based in the Department of Computer Science and its highly regarded Surrey Centre for Cyber Security (SCCS), working with Dr. Robert Granger.

The aim of the project is to research and develop algorithms for solving computational problems that are foundational to the security of public key cryptography, both now and in the future. In particular, it will study: the discrete logarithm problem in finite fields of fixed characteristic, for which an efficient classical algorithm is potentially on the horizon; the security of the Legendre pseudo-random function, which is extremely well suited for multi-party computation and is used in the proof of custody construction within Ethereum, but is not so well-studied; and finally the security of supersingular isogeny-based post-quantum cryptography, which although a relatively young field offers many very promising applications. Due to their nature, any cryptographic assumptions based on mathematical constructions are potentially weaker than currently believed, and the project will deepen our understanding and assess the hardness of these natural and fundamental problems. 

The postholder will be responsible for conducting research into the three aforementioned areas, working alongside Dr. Granger and in collaboration with the official project partners: the Ethereum Foundation; PQShield; and K.U. Leuven, namely, Prof. Frederik Vercauteren and members of this group within COSIC.

The successful applicant is expected to have a PhD (gained or near completion), or equivalent professional experience in computer science or a related subject, in technical areas relevant to the envisioned research.  

For informal inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Robert Granger (r.granger@surrey.ac.uk).

This is a fixed term contract for up to 2 years.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter with your application.

We acknowledge, understand and embrace cultural diversity. Research staff are supported and encouraged in their career development through mentoring and early career researcher training. We are also committed to help balance life needs and career ambitions, for example by accommodating flexible working conditions such as part-time work or non-traditional work hours, where possible given the requirements of the project.

Further details:   

Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to Level 3.6 (£34,314) to successful applicants who have been awarded, but are yet to receive, their PhD certificate.  Once the original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Department, the salary will be increased to Level 4.1 (£35,308).

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