Back to search results

Research Fellow in Post-Quantum Cryptography

University of Birmingham - School of Computer Science

Location: Birmingham
Salary: £34,980 to £44,263 Grade 7
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On: 25th September 2023
Closes: 16th October 2023
Job Ref: 102507

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

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

Job tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
More jobs from University of Birmingham

Show all jobs for this employer …

More jobs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge