Research Expert Cryptology KU Leuven, Leuven ESAT - COSIC, Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography

The Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography group (COSIC) belongs to the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) of the group Science and Technology of KU Leuven; it was founded in 1978 and counts about 80 members who perform fundamental, applied and contract research in the area of cryptology, information security and privacy. Because of the extended expertise in discrete mathematics, cryptology, hard-and software implementations and network and computer systems, the group is able to adopt an integrated approach to problem solving, which has led to important successes: AES (Rijndael algorithm that was selected as the US Advanced Encryption Standard), ECRYPT (coordination of European Networks of Excellence, Coordination and Support Action, and Marie-Curie ITN in Cryptology,). Through a long history of participation in European projects; COSIC gained thorough experience in privacy-enhancing technologies, identity management, and the design and analysis of cryptographic algorithms, protocols and architectures. COSIC is now looking for a Research Expert in order to be able to support our new initiatives in the area of protocol design in relation to secret-sharing based multi-party computation built from homomorphic encryption and/or oblivious transfer. Experience in coding theory would also be desirable. You will work closely with the professors, researchers and administrative support and you will coordinate with KU Leuven Research and Development (LRD) and with the imec Smart Applications Business Unit in the area of Distributed Trust.

 

 
• You will contribute to the strategic research plan of the research group COSIC and its translation into operational goals.
• You will perform fundamental and applied research in the area of applied cryptology.
• You are responsible for supervising researchers and are able to create an excellent working atmosphere and stimulate creativity.
• You will acquire a solid expertise in national and international research programs and will closely follow calls for proposals.
• You will discuss the management, administrative and technical aspects of projects with funding organizations and project partners.
• You are responsible for the reporting of the progress and the results of projects.
• You contribute to the acquisition and management of new financial resources.
• You actively seek collaboration with industry and academia through collaborative projects.
• You develop and maintain a multidisciplinary and international network.

• You have a PhD or equivalent research expertise in cryptography with a strong publication track record.
• You have experience with project management and coaching of young researchers.
• You have high-level research experience in applied cryptology, with a focus on secret sharing based multi-party computation built from homomorphic encryption and/or oblivious transfer, as well as coding theoretic aspects of these technologies..
• You have more than 5 years of experience after your PhD
• You are creative and enthusiastic, you have a strong commitment to research and valorisation.

We offer a permanent position as research expert.

 

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Nigel Smart, mail: nigel.smart@kuleuven.be.