PhD on Symmetric Cryptography

**Job Description**
This PhD project focuses on designing and analyzing dedicated symmetric-key primitives that operate directly over prime fields and/or integer rings. The goal is to provide efficient solutions for emerging applications such as Format Preserving Encryption (FPE), Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Homomorphic Encryption (HE), and Zero-Knowledge (ZK). Given the novelty of these primitives, special attention will be given to security, aiming to understand their security margin and propose innovative security arguments. The work will not involve the implementation of these schemes by the PhD candidate. The project is supported by the ERC Starting Grant “SYMPZON” and involves research, publication, and collaboration with national and international researchers.

**Skills & Abilities**
• Talented, motivated, enthusiastic, curiosity-driven researcher
• Deep analytical skills, initiative, creativity, and flexibility
• Strong interest in cryptography, especially symmetric cryptography and its real-world deployment
• Knowledge of at least one programming language (such as C, Sage, Matlab, Python)
• Experience with cryptography (if possible)
• Good knowledge of algebra (including field and ring theories, and Gröbner basis) (a plus)
• Eager to work within a team and independently
• Excellent oral and writing skills in English

**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Cryptography
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• A related field (Master’s degree or expected soon)

**Experience**
Other:
• If possible, some experience with cryptography

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