We are looking for 1-2 bright pre- or postdoctoral researchers with strong interest and suitable experience in any of the following research areas: 

• Distributed cryptography: Distributed Key Generation (DKG), decentralised credentials with privacy properties
• Advanced encryption: algorithmic techniques for Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and zero-knowledge SNARKs, updatable encryption
• Secure computation: Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) techniques and protocol design, Private Set Intersection (PSI)
• Post-Quantum Cryptography techniques for any of the aforementioned areas 

Successful candidates will be expected to lead on research activities for selected ongoing / upcoming research projects, funded by the EU and German institutions, across the domains of decentralized digital identity, computing over encrypted data, and advanced post-quantum secure encryption, and can work closely with existing PhD students. 

They will work closely with members of the Privacy and Applied Cryptography (PACY) lab, led by Prof. Mark Manulis, and the Quantum-Safe and Advanced Cryptography (QuSAC) lab, led by Prof. Daniel Slamanig. Candidates will benefit from our modern infrastructure and availability of funds to support own research. Also, Munich is amongst best places to live in Germany.

Positions are available for immediate start or no later than January 1, 2025 and are fully funded at federal salary levels TVöD E13 (~58k to 74k EUR p.a. depending on qualifications and experience). Initial contracts will be for 1.5 - 2 years with a possibility of extension. (Due to the nature of funding restrictions on the eligibility may apply.)

Your duties:

• Conduct high-quality research in any of the aforementioned areas
• Coordinate and lead research activities in selected third-party funded research projects
• Publish and present research outputs in reputable academic conferences in cryptography / security / privacy
• Contribute to the planning of new research projects and supervision of doctoral researchers

Requirements:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) or PhD in Mathematics, Cryptography, or Computer Science with excellent grades
• Solid knowledge and demonstrable experience in any of the aforementioned areas of research
• Post-doc candidates must have a strong track record (ideally with publications at IACR conferences and/or the top 4 security conferences) and good academic writing and presentation skills
• Experience with cryptographic implementations (desirable)
• Proficiency in English (essential) and German (desirable but not essential)

We expect:

• Genuine interest in cryptography and privacy enhancing technologies
• Analytical thinking, creativity, ability to work independently and thoroughly
• Ability to work in a team and desire to expand own knowledge

We offer:

• Optimal research supervision / mentorship towards doctorate degree and further academic career development
• Excellent research environment with international reputation and use of state-of-the art facilities with high-end equipment for personal research
• Collaboration with international research organisations from academia, industry and government and excellent opportunities for networking, incl. research visits (also abroad) at partners
• Opportunities for personal academic development, incl. participation in PhD summer schools
• Multi-year employment contracts with possibility of extension according to the German Science and Research Act governing fixed-term contracts
• Salaries up to tariff level E13 in accordance with the requirements of §12 TVöD regarding personal qualifications, prior experiences, and the agreed nature of duties
• Remote work in coordination with the Head of the PACY Lab is possible with some limitations
• Pleasant working environment in a dynamic and ambitious team
• Access to modern sports facilities on campus. Families with small children can benefit from the university nursery and Kindergaten. Munich and its suburbs offer very high quality of life and plenty opportunities for varied leisure activities.

To apply, please send your application (cover letter, CV, transcripts of grades, and two reference contacts) as a single PDF document per email with subject line ”Application PACY“ to Prof. Dr. Mark Manulis. 

Applications will be processed continuously until the positions are filled.