Postdoc in Quantum Cryptography

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) is a research institute at the University of Amsterdam, in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate. Its central research area is the study of fundamental principles of encoding, transmission and comprehension of information.

Research at the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation is interdisciplinary, and aims at bringing together insights from various disciplines concerned with information and information processing, such as logic, mathematics, computer science, linguistics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence and philosophy. Research is organized in three research groups: Logic and Computation (LoCo), Logic and Language (LoLa) and Language and Computation (LaCo). Check here for an overview of the research being carried out in the different groups. For the research carried out by the individual staff members of ILLC, see their personal pages via People at ILLC .

Staff members at ILLC as well as the next-door research center for quantum software QuSoft (Jop Briet, Harry Buhrman, Serge Fehr, Stacey Jeffery, Ronald de Wolf, Christian Schaffner) do research on a variety of topics in quantum information processing including quantum cryptography, quantum algorithms, cryptographic protocols and complexity theory. 

Project description

The Institute for Logic, Language & Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the area of quantum cryptography. The position is part of Christian Schaffner’s  VIDI Project: Cryptography in the Quantum Age, funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

The aim of the project is to develop new quantum-cryptographic protocols (beyond the task of key distribution) and explore their limitations. An example of an active research is position-based quantum cryptography. Another aspect is to investigate the security of classical cryptographic schemes against quantum adversaries (post-quantum cryptography).

The successful applicant will join the group of Christian Schaffner. The candidate will be expected to fulfil the following tasks:

• conduct research in quantum cryptography;
• present and publish research findings together with team members in proceedings and journals;
• assist in guiding PhD and MSc students working on topics in quantum cryptography;
• while this is primarily a research position, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching activities.

Requirements

Prospective candidates should:

• hold or be about to obtain a PhD degree in computer science, mathematics or physics;
• have a proven track record of excellence in cryptography and/or quantum information, as witnessed by a strong publication list in relevant first-tier conference proceedings or journals;
• in-depth knowledge of one of the following fields is a plus: parallel repetition, limited-quantum-storage models, continuous variables, quantum security notions, post-quantum security;
• have strong passion for research, a drive to publish and the wish to learn new skills through working with or assisting in guiding PhD and MSc students;
• have good communication skills in English, both oral and written.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from:

• Dr. Christian Schaffner

Appointment

The full-time appointment (38 hours per week) will be on a temporary basis, initially for one year with an extension for a further two years on positive evaluation. 

Depending on experience, the gross monthly salary will range from €2,552 to €4,028 (scale 10), excl. 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% annual allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable.

Job application

Application should include the following information, in separate PDF files (not zipped), using surname, initials and a self-evident word as file names, e.g., Smith J CV:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a letter of motivation (at most 1 page) explaining why you are interested in this position;
• research statement (at most 2 pages) detailing the type of research you want to carry out;
• one research article or draft you are proud of;
• the name and contact details (including email address) of three academic referees.

Completed applications should be submitted by 31 January 2017 to application-science@uva.nl, and should state your name and vacancy number 16-584 in the subject field. The committee does not guarantee that late or incomplete applications will be considered.​