Researcher in Quantum Safe Cryptography for Integrated Satellite-Terrestrial Networks 80 - 100 %

School: School of Engineering
Starting date: 1st of April 2025 or by agreement. Application deadline: 28 February 2025.

Your role

• Contribute to the SNF Project «A Resilient and Efficient Cyber-security Fabric and Evaluation Framework for Future Integrated Satellite-Terrestrial Networks» (SATUQ) in various fronts such as algorithmic (quantum-safety, computational optimization, distributed computing, time-disclosed cryptog-raphy), architectural (decentralized SATIN, distributed key management), and evaluation (open-source libraries, software development and protocol testing) aspects of trustworthy space-aerial-terrestrial integrated networks (SATINs)
• Become an expert in cybersecurity in the post-quantum era of integrated heterogeneous net-works and in emerging cryptographic primitives and protocols in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
• Establish a strong research track record as well as a successful footprint in applied research and technology transfer.

We offer a competitive, technically stimulating, and exciting environment as part of the bilateral Swiss–USA project (funded by SNSF and NSF) SATUQ, which has a consortium of ZHAW in Switzerland and the University of South Florida in the USA. The researcher is expected to advance the state-of-the-art at the intersection of cybersecurity, applied cryptography, Future Internet, namely SATINs, and PQC. A major responsibility is to design, develop, and demonstrate research outcomes via research as part of the SATUQ project. The candidate will have the opportunity to enjoy academic and professional supervision and mentoring in a collaborative environment, establish partnerships with industry in a research context, and transfer research solutions to enterprise environments. The position will also involve contributing to open-source software and publishing/presenting results at scientific and industrial conferences. In addition to offering an excellent working environment, we provide intellectual liberty and competitive compensation based on Swiss standards at one of the leading houses for ICT research in Switzerland.

Your profile

The successful candidate should have completed a Master's degree or a PhD degree in computer science/engineering or a closely related field. They must have prior exposure to the fields of cybersecurity, communication networks (key network technologies such as network protocols and networked software), and cryptographic protocols and have a strong interest in applied research. Specifically, knowledge/expertise on some specific open-source implementations of cryptographic algorithms and open-source libraries for developing, deploying, and testing in network testbeds and/or IoT devices will be positively evaluated. Experience in the development of networked systems using programming languages such as Python, Go, and C/C++ (mainly in GNU/Linux environments), as well as in networking, is considered another major plus.

The successful applicant should have a prior research history documented by reputable journal and/or conference publications. They should be able to work independently and cooperate with fellow researchers and PhD students. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills are a requirement. We expect a very good command as well as a passion for programming since the research will involve intensive programming tasks. Very good verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory; a good command of German is not required. The ideal candidate is passionate about identifying unsolved problems as well as proposing novel ideas or approaches to address technical challenges. Particular emphasis is on developing prototypes, experimenting with systems in a hands-on manner, scientific evaluation, and publication of results.

This is what we stand for

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

As one of the leading education and research institutions in Switzerland, the School of Engineering (SoE) focuses on topics relevant to the future. 13 institutes and centers guarantee high-quality education, research and development with a focus on the areas of energy, mobility, information and health.

The Information Security research group at the Institute of Information Technology (InIT) consists of around 12 employees who work on various national and international research projects and who train the next generation of cyber security experts.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

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