PhD Scholarship in Post-Quantum Cryptography - DTU Compute

Are you a bright and motivated PhD student ready for an exceptional opportunity to dive into advanced research on cryptographic systems that are secure against quantum computing? We are offering a 3-year PhD position, starting on 1st September 2024 (negotiable). This position is part of the project “Post-Quantum Key Exchange,” jointly conducted by DTU and Dencrypt, and funded by the Danish Ministry of Defence’s Acquisition and Logistics Organisation.

Project Overview

The goal of our project is to explore various routes towards a fully quantum-secure replacement for X3DH, the key exchange protocol used by Signal, WhatsApp, and others. This is your chance to contribute to pioneering research in the field of post-quantum cryptography.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

As a PhD student, your primary task will be to explore different approaches to developing a key exchange protocol that provides the same level of security as X3DH but against quantum computing adversaries. You will gain expertise in:

• Provable security for post-quantum cryptography
• Quantum random oracle model
• Various post-quantum key exchange protocols

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• A strong curiosity about post-quantum cryptography
• Familiarity with quantum computing/information and cryptography
• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent

For more information about DTU's enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please refer to .

We Offer

DTU is a renowned technical university known globally for its excellence in research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. We provide a rewarding and challenging job within an international environment that values collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and Appointment Terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, with the allowance agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is three years, with a full-time position starting on 1st September 2024.

Learn more about career paths at DTU .

Further Information

For additional details, please contact Christian Majenz via email at or visit .

For more on DTU Compute, visit .

If you are applying from outside Denmark, find useful information on and at . Join our monthly free seminar “PhD Relocation to Denmark and Startup 'Zoom' Seminar” to address any practical queries related to moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application Procedure

Submit your complete online application no later than 25 June 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file containing the following materials in English:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma including an official description of the grading scale

Note: You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree, but you cannot commence before receiving it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

About DTU Compute

DTU Compute is an internationally renowned academic department with 385 employees and 11 research sections covering mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. We are committed to high international standards in research, teaching, and innovation, addressing societal challenges