Simula UiB AS is a research institute owned by Simula Research Laboratory AS and the University of Bergen (UiB). It collaborates closely with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in terms of research and education of master’s and PhD students. One of its goals is to increase Norway's cybersecurity expertise through research and education in cryptography and information theory.
Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research lab that conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cyber security. Simula's main objective is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value to society. This is achieved through high-quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialisation. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. In 2025, a new evaluation ranked Simula the highest of all Norwegian research institutions regarding impact and publication quality (p.14 in National EVALMIT rapport).
Norway is famous for its outdoor scenery, with gorgeous fjords, waterfalls and mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare.
Simula UiB is a research institute in Cryptography and Information Theory located in Bergen, Norway. The Department of Cryptography is currently looking for an outstanding candidate for a PhD position in cryptanalysis. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Håvard Raddum.
Do you want to contribute to making our increasingly digitised world safer by diving into the exciting field of cryptographic analysis? This research topic aims to build confidence in the cryptography we all rely on in our daily lives. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to explore and contribute to groundbreaking research in the cryptanalysis of novel symmetric encryption algorithms designed for advanced protocols, so-called STAPs. Specific research areas will be discussed with the successful applicant, but they may include techniques such as algebraic cryptanalysis or statistical attacks on symmetric primitives designed specifically for use with fully homomorphic encryption (FHE), multi-party computation (MPC) or zero-knowledge protocols (ZK). This is not just an opportunity to develop and shape your own research project, but also to help move the research front in cryptography.
Simula UiB currently has 11 early-career researchers working on a range of research problems in cryptography and information theory. We can offer a vibrant, stimulating, and inclusive working environment to successful candidates. The position is for three years, and the hired candidate will be admitted to the PhD program of and receive their PhD degree from the University of Bergen (https://www.uib.no/en/nt/52899/admission-phd-programme-faculty-science-and-technology).
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field.
The ideal candidate should have good knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
1) symmetric cryptography, preferably with some experience in cryptanalysis,
2) relevant mathematics, especially algebra, and
3) programming. We are looking for a candidate who is good at algorithmic thinking and demonstrates strong analytical skills.
The work will be done in close collaboration with other early-career researchers and your PhD supervisor, but your ability to work independently is seen as an advantage. You must be highly motivated and be able to demonstrate your potential for coming up with original research ideas. We expect candidates to have good communication and collaboration skills and be fluent in English, both in academic writing and speaking. Finally, the successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and be willing and able to contribute to Simula UiB’s working environment.
The Simula group appreciates diversity. We currently employ 185 individuals from 41 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal-opportunity employer and women are particularly encouraged to apply. The Simula webpage provides more in-depth information about Simula culture.
Simula UiB offers:
Excellent opportunities for conducting high-quality research as part of a highly competent and motivated team of researchers.
An informal, inclusive and international working environment.
Support for travel and opportunities to build international networks.
Modern office facilities, located at Marineholmen in the city centre of Bergen.
A competitive salary; starting salary from NOK 536 200.
Numerous employee benefits are available, including access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, an equipment budget, and a comprehensive travel/health insurance policy.
Relocation assistance, including complimentary Norwegian language courses.
Healthy wellness and work-life balance arrangements.
Application
Interested candidates should apply via the link, where they should provide:
Cover letter, outlining the motivation for applying for this position and pursuing a PhD in cryptography, their research interests, experience and qualifications of relevance for the position.
Curriculum Vitae, summarising educational background and relevant work experience.
Academic transcripts for the undergraduate and master’s studies, and a copy of relevant research work that the candidate may have worked on (e.g. academic articles).
For candidates who are about to finish their Master’s degree, please clarify your completion plan and timeline.
Contact information of two referees, including the Master’s degree supervisor(s).
The application deadline is September 1st, 2025. Applications will be screened continuously, and we may conclude recruitment as soon as we find the right candidate. The starting date is negotiable.
Contact
For additional enquiries about this position, please contact:
For administrative enquiries about this position, please contact bergen@simula.no
Simula UiB uses Semac’s background check in our recruitment process. Employment for this position will be made according to the Security Act and the Act relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who, by assessment of the application and any attachments, are considered to conflict with these will not qualify for this position. Candidates who may be eligible for a security clearance in Norway will be prioritised.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
