2x PhD position on transitioning internet protocols and applications to post-quantum cryptography

You will perform your research as part of the DACS group, the Twente University Centre for Cybersecurity Research (TUCCR) and the international context. Interaction with international network operators and Internet standards bodies, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), will also be part of the project. You will publish and present your work at international conferences and in journals. You will also have the opportunity to present your work in the Internet operator community, e.g., at RIPE meetings. You will collaborate and interact with a second PhD candidate in the same project, but with a different focus.

Cryptographers are developing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) that is secure against attacks with quantum computers. While much progress has been made in developing and trialling algorithms, we lack a complete view of the problem space. More boldly: we cannot answer the question " What if the whole Internet had to switch to PQC? ". The SHARQS project (a Systematic Holistic Approach to Re-engineering a Quantum-Safe Internet) aims to tackle this question.

In the SHARQS project, we will empirically establish the algorithm life-cycle in Internet protocols and applications and use a model-driven approach to test the feasibility of replacing existing algorithms with PQC alternatives, which may have vastly different properties in terms of processing, bandwidth and memory requirements. The outcomes of the project will be actionable, empirically backed advice for operators, standards bodies and policymakers. SHARQS targets both the transition of the "mainstream" Internet and specific applications and protocols used in the context of the Internet of Things and Industrial Control Systems. This vacancy consists of 2 different PhD positions. Each position has a different focus and we urge you to state your preference in your motivation letter.

PhD position 1: Your research will focus on the challenges of transitioning the Internet-of-Things and Industrial Control Systems to post- quantum cryptography.

PhD position 2: Your research will focus on the challenges of transitioning the "mainstream" Internet to post-quantum cryptography.

Your profile

You have an MSc degree; applications from students who are about to finish their MSc degree studies will be considered as well;

You are interested in (Inter)networking and cybersecurity;

You are curious and interested in learning how things work and how to make them better;

You have a good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment;

You are proficient in English.

Our offer

As a PhD student at the UT, you will be appointed to a fully paid full- time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating scientific environment;

We strive to be family-friendly and offer maternity and parental leave to all employees;

The university offers a dynamic, international ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

The DACS group is a thriving diverse environment, with a strong team spirit;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a salary ranging from around €2.770,- gross per month in the first year to around €3.539,- in the fourth year;

Benefits include a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme;

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School in which you and your supervisors will make a plan for additional suitable education and supervision;

Information and application

Please send your application before the 2nd of October 2023 via the 'Apply now' button, and include:

a short motivation letter (including your preference PhD1/PhD2), emphasizing your research interests and motivation to apply.

a detailed CV (resume);

an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education, including grades.

For further questions, please contact prof. dr. ir. Roland van Rijswijk-Deij via [email protected].

About the department

Twente University Centre for Cybersecurity Research (TUCCR) The PhD position is embedded into the Twente University Centre for Cybersecurity Research (TUCCR), which is a public-private partnership where experts, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students from industry and knowledge partners collaborate to deliver talents, innovations, and know- how in the domain of cybersecurity. The mission of TUCCR is to strengthen the security and digital sovereignty of our society by performing top-level research on real-world data and network security challenges. Key outputs include innovation in the shape of technologies, tools, minimum viable products, start-ups, top-tier scientific publications as well as first-class graduates at Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. level. TUCCR's founding partners are Betaalvereniging Nederland, BetterBe, Cisco, NCSC, NDIX, Northwave, SIDN, SURF, Thales, TNO, and the University of Twente. TUCCR has the ambition to be a recognized thought leader in the domain of cybersecurity and to be amongst the top cybersecurity research & innovation centres in the Netherlands. It aims at having strong societal impact and at increasing the economic activity in the field of cybersecurity.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Rijswijk - Deij, R.M. van (Roland)

Adjunct professor of measurement-based Internet security

Rijswijk - Deij, R.M. van (Roland)

Adjunct professor of measurement-based Internet security

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Roland for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534893448

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Rijswijk - Deij, R.M. van (Roland)

Personal page

Baveld, V.I. (Nicole)

Personal page

Heijenk, G.J. (Geert)

Personal page

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