The Semantics, Cybersecurity and Services (SCS) group at the University of Twente is looking for a full-time PhD to join the research team, working on Secure Cloud. The position is funded by the Dutch organisation for Applied Research TNO.
In this PhD project, we intend to research the use of fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) for building cloud functionality. In theory, FHE is the perfectly secure tool for storing and processing sensitive data in an untrusted cloud environment. However, this innovative encryption method introduces a significant overhead leading to a large computational and communication effort. Recent scientific results have shown progress to overcome this burden by e.g. software and hardware speed-ups.
The goal is to study the current state-of-the-art in FHE-based solutions for cloud functionality and develop ways to build cryptographic cloud components that could be used for e.g. Federated Mission Networking. You will be working part-time at TNO in The Hague and collaborate with an inspiring team of cryptographers. Therefore, a security screening will be part of the selection process.
As the prospective PhD candidate, you will be appointed for a period of four years, and you are expected to perform high-quality research that gets published at some of the top security or cryptography conferences. This position offers a mix of theoretical work - such as defining novel cryptographic protocols and proving their security - and more practical work in which you will implement prototypes of these protocols and potentially integrate them into existing cloud infrastructure.
The SCS group is internationally recognized in the broad areas of systems and data security and is unique for its collaborative and friendly atmosphere, in which researchers have considerable freedom in picking their projects and receive substantial support from supervisors and colleagues. We publish in top-tier conferences to maximize our visibility and impact, and we can guide you toward becoming a top researcher and boosting your CV. Besides, during the PhD, you will have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and network by joining international exchange programs, participating in national and international conferences, and visiting other research institutes and universities worldwide.
Your profileAre you interested in this position? Please submit your application before August 1st via the ‘Apply now' button below and include:
For more information, please contact prof.dr.ir. Thijs Veugen ([email protected]).
About the departmentDigitalization brings many new opportunities for businesses and governments by fostering the development of innovative online services. However, this development also brings new challenges, notably in terms of intelligence, interoperability, security, and privacy. The mission of the Semantics, Cybersecurity and Services (SCS) group is to advance the development of innovative online services with improved quality through context-alignment and with reduced security and privacy threats.
SCS is part of the Twente University Centre for Cybersecurity Research (TUCCR), a public-private partnership where experts, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students from industry and knowledge partners collaborate to deliver talents, innovations, and know-how in the domain of cybersecurity. The mission of TUCCR is to strengthen the security and digital sovereignty of our society by performing top-level research on real-world data, systems, and network security challenges. To achieve significant societal impact, TUCCR combines technical, socio-economic, and ethical know- how and is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, ranging from security labs, testbeds, and data lakes.
About the organisationThe faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
Want to know more? Veugen, P.J.M. (Thijs)Professor
Veugen, P.J.M. (Thijs)Professor
Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Thijs for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.
ContactPhone:+31534893639
Email:[email protected]
How to apply Step 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.
Step 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.
Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.
Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.
Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.
Your Colleagues Smit - van Veen, F.A.M. (Fiona)Personal page
Personal page
At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.
Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.
We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.
We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”
Browse all jobs