PhD in post-quantum cryptography

Introduction

We are looking for a PhD student to help us develop practical cryptography for the post-quantum era. This (fully funded) PhD studentship focuses on provable security.

Job Description

You will develop the next generation of post-quantum cryptographic schemes that are designed with implementation security in mind from the outset. Your research will combine cryptographic design with formal security analysis, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical security and secure real-world implementations.

You will be supervised by K. Hövelmanns, co-supervised by A. Hülsing.

What you can expect from us:

• Being part of a multidisciplinary team that works at the intersection of post-quantum cryptography, provable security, and implementation security.
• Close collaboration with researchers working on side-channel attacks and secure implementations.
• Weekly supervision meetings to help you stay on track.
• Guidance on writing, presentation, and career development.
• Flexible working hours.
• A shared interest in producing high-quality research results.

Job Requirements

• An interest in the design and formal security analysis of cryptographic protocols, and motivation to lead the projects.
• A master's degree in computer science, mathematics, or related subjects.
• A solid background in cryptography, algorithms, discrete mathematics, or a related area.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills demonstrated in previous projects.
• Research experience in the related areas is a plus but not required.
• Good programming skills (e.g. in C/C++, Rust or Python) are also a plus.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and more than 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Information

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services M&CS, [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Transcript of records to provide an insight if you had courses that were relevant for this position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Application deadline: Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.