PhD position on Hardware Security

Public-key cryptography is vulnerable to mathematical attacks by quantum computers. Governments encourage organizations to adopt new post-quantum cryptography algorithms to secure critical infrastructure. However, these new algorithms are still susceptible to physical attacks, while current testing infrastructures to assess their resistance to physical attacks sacrifice quality for run time. This project investigates new methods inspired by genomics (to improve quality) in combination with digital hardware design (to reduce run time) to thoroughly evaluate the security of post-quantum protected implementations against deep-learning-based side-channel analysis.

We invite applications for a PhD position at the Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems group. We are looking for a talented and highly motivated candidate to work on this project doing research at the intersection of hardware security (specifically side-channel analysis) and FPGA design.

Requirements:

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.
• You have a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as computer engineering, embedded systems, or computer science.
• You have good knowledge of C, C++, and Python (preferably in Linux environment).
• You have master-level knowledge in hardware security, specifically side-channel analysis, and are familiar with statistical tools for conducting successful attacks.
• You have master-level knowledge in FPGA/hardware design using hardware description languages and/or high-level synthesis (VHDL, Verilog, Vitis HLS, Vitis), and experience in programming FPGA boards.
• You have basic parallel programming knowledge and experience.
• Basic understanding of deep learning methods is a plus
• You are proficient in English.

Salary Benefits:

• As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2,901(first year) to € 3,707 (fourth year);
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

40 hours per week

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