PhD candidate, Cryptographic Hardware and Design Automation

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a:

PhD candidate, Cryptographic Hardware and Design Automation

Project description

We are looking for a PhD student to work on Cryptographic Hardware and Design Automation. The project is oriented towards the development of a domain-specific design automation framework for cryptographic hardware. Your work will focus on design-space exploration and optimizations tailored to different environments.  The optimizations range from algebraic optimizations (e.g., term rewriting), to algorithmic optimizations (e.g., group level algorithms), and to hardware optimizations (e.g., automated pipelining).  The PhD student will be supervised by Nusa Zidaric.

Key responsibilities

During the project, you are expected to conduct original competitive research and proof-of-concept development and to write several research articles that together will form the basis of a thesis to attain a PhD degree (dr.) at Leiden University. You will participate in the education and supervision program of the Leiden Graduate School of Science and assist in relevant teaching activities.

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant should be a very motivated university graduate who is a top performer among his/her peers and has an excellent education and/or research track record proven by relevant experience, publications, etc. The applicant is expected to have:

• A MSc or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field;
• Expertise through your field of study in particular in digital hardware design and design automation;
• Excellent hardware design, programming, and debugging skills;
• Strong mathematical background and experience with computer algebra systems;
• Excitement about working in a team with the other partners in the projects;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Creative thinking and high motivation;
• Excellent proficiency in the English language.

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs.

The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, LIACS is one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, the faculty and the university, see https://liacs.leidenuniv.nl https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and https://www.cs.leiden.edu
 

Terms and conditions 
 We offer a full-time position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 2.901,-  to € 3.707,-  gross per month (pay scale P) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8,3%) training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the

Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/graduate-school-of-science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

D&I statement

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information

Enquiries can be made to Nusa Zidaric: n.zidaric@liacs.leidenuniv.nl . If you have any questions about the procedure, please mail to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl 

Applications

To apply for this vacancy, please apply online via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional pdf documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum Vitae,
• Letter of Motivation,
• MSc diploma with transcripts (courses + grades).

Only applications received before May 31, 2025, can be considered.