Research Fellow in Post-Quantum Cryptography

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2026

Closes: 16/10/2023

Role Summary

We welcome applications for a research fellowship in post-quantum cryptography to work with Dr Christophe Petit on the EPSRC Fellowship funded project “Post-Quantum Cryptography: a Cryptanalysis Approach”. We are particularly keen on applications with a quantum cryptanalysis or quantum algorithm background.

The security of many cryptographic protocols in use today relies on the computational hardness of mathematical problems such as integer factorization. These problems can be solved using quantum computers, and therefore most of our security infrastructures will become completely insecure once quantum computers are built. Post-quantum cryptography aims at developing security protocols that will remain secure even after quantum computers are built. The biggest security agencies in the world have recommended a move towards post-quantum protocols, and the new generation of cryptographic standards will aim at post-quantum security.

Driven by the need to upgrade our cybersecurity infrastructures, many cryptographic algorithms have recently been developed which are claimed to offer post-quantum security. These proposals are based on a few distinct mathematical problems which are hoped to remain difficult for quantum computers, including lattice problems, multivariate polynomial system solving, coding theory problems, isogeny problems, and the security of cryptographic hash functions. Unfortunately, many of these problems, and more importantly the cryptographic algorithms that are built on top of them, have not been subject to a thorough security analysis yet, therefore leaving us with a risk to oversee major weaknesses in algorithms to be deployed in security applications.

In this fellowship, we will develop breakthrough cryptanalysis techniques to analyse the security of post-quantum cryptography candidate algorithms, and determine which algorithms may or may not be further considered for digital security applications. Using the insight gained through cryptanalysis, we will then develop new post-quantum cryptographic algorithms offering better security, efficiency and functionality properties in applications.

Main Duties

• Conduct original research according to agreed project aims.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, seminars/presentations etc.
• Assist in coordination and management of the above-mentioned project.
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism (Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science) and normally, a higher degree (or one near to completion) relevant to research area (Cryptography, Mathematics, Quantum Physics) or equivalent qualifications.
• Significant contributions made to world-class research in one or more of the above topics, experience in writing peer-reviewed papers for leading journals and conferences.
• High level analytical and computational skills.
• Proficiency in mathematical techniques relevant for the analysis of evolutionary algorithms and other randomised algorithms.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly in written and spoken form.
• Desirable/optional: (a) Programming skills, (b) Experience in collaborating with national and international academic and industrial partners;

Informal enquires can be made to Dr Christophe Petit, email: C.Petit.1@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the above ‘Apply’ button

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