Research Fellow

Salary:

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874, Grade: 7

Contract Type:

2x Fixed Term contract up to September 2025

1x Fixed Term contract up to March 2026

Three positions available.

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.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Carry on research of international standard in the area of post-quantum cryptography and quantum cryptanalysis
• Assist the PI in all tasks related to the project including mentoring of students and other early career staff, meeting with project partners, organization of workshops and seminars, dissemination or results

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Carry on research of international standard in the area of post-quantum cryptography and quantum cryptanalysis
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at Grade 6.

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
• Proficiency in mathematical techniques relevant for the analysis of evolutionary algorithms and other randomised algorithms

Informal enquiries 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 Apply Online button

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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

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