Call for a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Concrete Cryptography

In the department of Cryptography at Simula UiB (http://simula-uib.com) in Bergen, Norway, we are now seeking one Postdoc in the project Concrete Cryptology for a period of up to three years.

Simula UiB

Simula UiB AS is a research center owned by Simula Research Laboratory AS and the University of Bergen (UiB). The goal of Simula UiB is to increase the security expertise in Norway through research and education in cryptography and information theory. Simula UiB works with its parent company Simula Research Lab and the department of informatics at UiB. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway has repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. The most recent in-depth evaluation was recently published, grading all research groups at Simula as excellent. The department of informatics is ranked as the number one ICT research institute in Norway (The Norwegian Research Council, 2012).

About Simula Research Lab and Norway

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Project/Job description

Cryptology forms the backbone of modern digital security. While in theory it is known how to make secure cryptosystems that are asymptotically secure, a considerable gap with practice is demonstrated time and again by breaks of practical, implemented cryptosystems, deployed as part of a larger security ecosystem. The project “concrete cryptology” aims to provide concrete and meaningful security guarantees from low-level implementation to high-level deployment.

The postdoc will have considerable freedom in selecting specific problems to work on within the larger scope of the project. One focus is the effect that side-channel attacks that do not result in full key recovery have on security, including provable security, higher up the chain. Another focus is the effect that large-scale deployment deviating from some abstract ideal has.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for interested candidates who have completed, or are about to complete, a PhD degree in cryptology or a suitably related relevant field. We expect an excellent academic track record and will be looking for publications in the relevant venues. Previous experience with the analysis of practical implementations or deployed cryptosystems is an advantage, but a lack of such experience may be compensated for by a demonstrated ability to learn advanced topics in related areas. We are looking for a curious and creative mind.

The candidates will have to demonstrate an excellent level of spoken and written English, possess good interpersonal and communication skills, and show the willingness to work as part of an international team. Simula UiB is an equal opportunity employer, and women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Simula UiB Offers

• Excellent opportunities for performing high quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers and engineers
• An informal and inclusive international working environment
• Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks, through established collaboration with industry, exchange programs and research visits with other universities, and funding to attend conferences
• Modern office facilities located in downtown Bergen
• A competitive salary. Starting salary from NOK 532.300
• Numerous benefits: access to company cabin, BabyBonus arrangements, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, etc
• Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc
• Administrative research support: e.g., quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU programs)
• Wellness and work-life balance. Our employees’ health and well-being is a priority and we encourage them to make use of our flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently

Application Requirements

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae: summarize your educational background, working experience (in particular, any relevant academic or industrial work), list of scientific publications, etc
• Cover letter: outline your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications, research interests and how/why you are qualified for the position
• Other: transcripts from Bachelor and Master degrees; a (draft) copy of PhD thesis
• Contact information of two or three references, including the PhD supervisor

Applications will be screened continuously, and decisions will be made as soon as we find the right candidates. The starting date is negotiable.

Contact

Additional enquiries regarding the position can be addressed to

• Martijn Stam, martijn@simula.no

Simula UiB uses Semac´s background check in our recruitment process.

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.

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