PhD in Side-Channel Analysis

Our modern society relies upon numerous electronic devices that use encryption to communicate and operate securely. However, even strong cryptography can break when the device hardware is attacked. Thus, the University of Amsterdam is looking for a strong MSc graduate that is interested in Side-Channel Analysis, Hardware Security and Cryptographic Implementations.

What are you going to do?

Tasks and key responsibilities:
•    Conduct high-quality research in the field of Side-Channel Analysis and Cryptographic Engineering, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international conferences and/or journals;
•    Contribute to our open-source teaching material in Bachelor and Master courses (in English);
•    Supervise Bachelor and Master students;
•    Meet regularly with your academic supervisor to discuss and analyse the technical details of your ongoing research;
•    Perform research-oriented internships in the industry.

What do you have to offer?

Your experience and profile:
•    Completed or soon-to-be completed MSc in Computer Security, Computer Science, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related discipline;
•    Strong interest in learning hardware security, applied cryptography and side-channel analysis, through regular tutoring by the academic supervisor;
•    Background in Machine Learning, Signal Processing and/or background in Cryptography, Computer Security;
•    Fluency in oral and written English, good presentation skills;
•    Interest in collaborating with a highly international and open team.

Any educational and/or research experience in the field of cryptographic implementations (coding in C, Assembly, HDL), side-channel and fault attacks (coding in Python, Matlab, lab experience) is considered a plus.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,770 in the first year to € 3,539 in the last year (scale P). UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
•    232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
•    Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre
•    A complete educational program for PhD students
•    Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff
•    Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
•    7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary
•    Partly paid parental leave
•    The possibility to set up a workplace at home
•    A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution
•    The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch
•    Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science (FNWI) has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. 

The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 30 April 2024. For late applications contact Kostas Papagiannopoulos (details above).

Applications should include the following information (all files apart from your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file ):
•    a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience
•    a letter of motivation
•    your academic transcripts (photos or scans of your past courses and grades)
•    the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above.
You can use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file .

A knowledge security check may be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines ).

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please don’t send any applications by email.

The interviews will be held between January 2023 and April 2023.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, please try using a VPN connection when outside of the European Union. Please reach out directly to our HR Department if the error continues. They will gladly help you with your application.

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