SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

Your Role

Cryptolux is a team of cryptographers and security researchers interested in applied cryptography, cryptanalysis, privacy, network security, cryptographic blockchains and is led by Prof. Alex Biryukov, we are affiliated to the Departement of Computer Science (DCS) and to the Security and Trust center (SnT). You will perform the following tasks:

• Prepare a doctoral thesis in Cryptography and IT Security
• Publish research papers and give talks at the top international venues
• Provide guidance to MSc students and TA for classes, depending on the needs of the team
• Organize science outreach activities, e.g. science for kids, …

Area / Potential topics of the thesis

• Cryptanalysis and design of cryptographic primitives
• Lightweight block ciphers, hash functions, authenticated encryption schemes
• Financial Cryptography (security of distributed ledgers, smart contracts)
• Privacy Enhancing Technology (Tor-like networks, privacy for cryptocurrencies, blockchains)
• Design of proofs of work, resource-hard functions, commitment schemes
• Side-channel attacks and countermeasures
• White-box cryptography

Your Profile

• Sc. degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering with outstanding grades (GPA > 85%)
• Strong mathematical and/or algorithmic CS background (Olympiads, CTFs a plus)
• Background in cryptography or information security - a plus
• Good skills in programming, scripting languages . Math tools a plus
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English

Here’s what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students 6:1. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 45 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, health insurance and subsidised living and eating
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

But wait, there’s more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities.

In Short

• Initial contract of 36 months, with a further possible 1-year extension if required
• Start day: upon agreement
• Year salary of 36 196,92 EUR (paid in 12 months)

Further Information

Applications, written in English should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Brief research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken, including overall GPAs
• Contact information of three references

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

About the University of Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg aspires to be one of Europe’s most highly regarded universities with a distinctly international and interdisciplinary character. It fosters the cross-fertilisation of research and teaching, is relevant to its country, is known worldwide for its research and teaching in targeted areas, and is establishing itself as an innovative model for contemporary European Higher Education. It`s core asset is its well-connected world-class academic staff which will attract the most motivated, talented and creative students and young researchers who will learn to enjoy taking up challenges and develop into visionary thinkers able to shape society.

Further information

For further information, please contact alex.biryukov@uni.lu