PhD Position in Secure Multi-party Computation

Are you intrigued by the idea of unlocking the full potential of data while ensuring privacy?

Do you enjoy working in a team of young and motivated researchers? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

About the position
Cryptography today is about much more than just securing communication—it is also a powerful tool for enabling private computations. Secure Multi-Party Computation (MPC) is an exciting field that bridges privacy and data utility, allowing multiple parties with private inputs to perform joint computations without revealing their individual data. This technology has far-reaching implications across industries, from healthcare to finance, empowering secure and privacy-preserving data analysis.

We are looking for a PhD student to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge research in theoretical computer science, with a focus on Secure Multi-Party Computation. You will join the Theory of Computer Science group at the Informatics Institute.

This PhD project aims to push the boundaries of our understanding of the feasibility of MPC protocols, as well as design more efficient protocols for real-world applications. The project is funded by the NWO Gravitation project “Challenges in Cyber Security”, a collaboration with partners from TU Eindhoven, Radboud University, CWI and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The PhD candidate will have ample opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists from these institutions, as well as with the broader, vibrant community of theoretical computer science researchers in Amsterdam (https://theory.amsterdam).

What are you going to do?
You are expected to:

• carry out original research in the field of theoretical computer science;
• have strong analytical and mathematical skills;
• take part in ongoing educational activities, such as assisting in courses and guiding student theses at the BSc or MSc level;
• be an active participant in the theoretical computer science field of research, publishing in peer-reviewed international journals and presenting at top-level conferences.

What do you have to offer?
We are looking for a candidate with:

• an MSc in computer science, mathematics, or a related field;
• a strong scientific interest in cryptography;
• strong academic performance in university-level courses in computer science, mathematics, and other related fields;
• the willingness to work collaboratively with other researchers;
• professional command of English and good presentation skills.

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 1 July 2025 (open to discussion). 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 € 2,901 to € 3,707 (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.

Where you will work
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.

The Theory of Computer Science group does research on the theoretical foundations of computer science. The aim is to seek greater understanding of fundamental computational techniques and their inherent limitations.

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

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.

Application review will start 15 March 2025, and will stay open until a suitable candidate has been found, even if this is prior to the final date of the application window on 15 April 2025. For full consideration apply on or before 15 March 2025. Applications should include the following information (to 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;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two or three 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. Please upload all the requested documents (including the CV) 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 do not send any applications by email. The interviews will be held in the course of March – April 2025. Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact: Divya Ravi, Assistant Professor, d.ravi@uva.nl

Science Park 904