Phd Candidate, Cryptographic Hardware and Design Automation

Vacancy number

16010

Job type

PhD positions

Hours (in fte)

1,0

External/ internal

Internal, External

Location

Leiden

Contract type

Temporary

Placed on

25 September 2025

Closing date

15 November 2025 51 more days to apply

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a:
**Project description**
We are looking for a PhD student to work on Cryptographic Hardware and Design Automation. The project is oriented towards the development of a domain-specific design automation framework for cryptographic hardware. Your work will focus on identifying the mathematical knowledge and properties to guide hardware optimizations tailored to different environments. The optimizations range from algebraic optimizations (e.g., term rewriting) to algorithmic optimizations (e.g., group level algorithms), and to hardware optimizations (e.g., automated pipelining). The PhD student will be supervised by Nusa Zidaric.

**Key responsibilities**

During the project, you are expected to conduct original competitive research and proof-of-concept development and to write several research articles that together will form the basis of a thesis to attain a PhD degree (dr.) at Leiden University. You will participate in the education and supervision program of the Leiden Graduate School of Science.

**Selection Criteria**

The successful applicant should be a very motivated university graduate who is a top performer among his/her peers and has an excellent education and/or research track record proven by relevant experience, publications, etc. The applicant is expected to have:

- A MSc or equivalent degree in combined Computer Science and Mathematics programs. Alternatively, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field;
- Strong mathematical background: basic knowledge of graph theory and excellent background in linear algebra, finite fields and rings;
- Strong background in digital hardware design and design automation;
- Excellent hardware design, programming, and debugging skills;
- Experience with computer algebra systems;
- Excitement about working in a team with the other partners in the projects;
- Excellent communication and presentation skills;
- Creative thinking and high motivation;
- Excellent proficiency in the English language.

**Research at our faculty**

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, LIACS is one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

**Terms and conditions**

We offer a full-time position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years.
Salary ranges from € 3.059;
- to € 3.881;

**Diversity**

**Information**

**Applications**
- Curriculum Vitae,
- Letter of Motivation,
- MSc diploma with transcripts (courses + grades).

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