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.

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 r.m.vanrijswijk@utwente.nl.

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.

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.