Research Fellow in Public Key Cryptanalysis

Fixed Term Contract until 30/06/2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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The role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, to start as soon as possible, to work on the EPSRC-funded project “PKC-Sec: Security Analysis of Classical and Post-Quantum Public Key Cryptography Assumptions”. Based within the Computer Science Research Centre, and the highly regarded Surrey Centre for Cyber Security (SCCS), the post-holder will be responsible for conducting research into three areas mentioned below, working alongside Dr Granger, and in collaboration with the official project partners, the Ethereum Foundation, PQShield and K.U. Leuven. Find out more about the project here.

Aim of the Project 

The aim of the project is to research and develop algorithms for solving computational problems that are foundational to the security of public key cryptography, both now and in the future.

In particular, it will study: 

• the discrete logarithm problem in finite fields of fixed characteristic, for which an efficient classical algorithm is potentially on the horizon; 
• the security of the Legendre pseudo-random function, which is extremely well suited for multi-party computation and is used in the proof of custody construction within Ethereum, but is not so well-studied; 
• the security of supersingular isogeny-based post-quantum cryptography, which although a relatively young field offers many very promising applications. 

Due to their nature, any cryptographic assumptions based on mathematical constructions are potentially weaker than currently believed, and the project will deepen our understanding and assess the hardness of these natural and fundamental problems.

About you

The successful applicant is expected to have a PhD (gained or near completion), or equivalent professional experience in computer science or a related subject in the technical areas relevant to the envisioned research.

For informal inquiries about the position, please contact:

Dr. Robert Granger (r.granger@surrey.ac.uk).

How to apply

Please attach your CV and complete the few questions on the application form when you apply.

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