20 Oct
Life and Environmental Sciences
United Kingdom
Description
Position Details
School of Computer Science
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
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
Full Time
Three positions available
2x Fixed Term contract up to September 2025
1x Fixed Term contract up to March 2026
Closing date: 7th November 2024
Background
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.
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
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation,
literature reviews, and research interviews*
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters*
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research*
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
- Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
* 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
- Desirable: (a) Programming skills, (b) Experience in collaborating with national and international academic and industrial partners
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
Informal enquiries to Dr Christophe Petit, email: [email protected]
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life.
We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
▶️ Research Fellow - School of Computer Science - 104599 - Grade 7
🖊️ Life and Environmental Sciences
📍 United Kingdom