PhD Position in Computer Science

University of Amsterdam

Institution: University of Amsterdam (UvA) – Faculty of Science
Degree Level: Master’s completed
Closing Date: May 1, 2026
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month

About the Position

Are you fascinated by the theoretical underpinnings of security that allow for protecting privacy in an ever more interconnected world? Are you willing to take on the challenge of upgrading cryptography to deal with the threat posed by quantum computation? Do you enjoy working in a team of young and motivated researchers?

We are seeking a PhD student to carry out cutting-edge research in theoretical computer science, with an expected focus on cryptography.

Project Background

  • Current public-key cryptography is vulnerable to quantum attacks.

  • Code-based cryptography offers plausible security against quantum attacks and enables efficient implementations of advanced cryptography (secure multiparty computation, interactive proofs).

  • Open research challenges include:

    • Lack of satisfactory theory of security reductions

    • Insufficient cryptanalysis of recent proposals

The PhD project aims to strengthen the foundations of code-based cryptography and will benefit from collaboration with experts from CWI cryptology group and QuSoft.

Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you are expected to:

  • Carry out original research in theoretical computer science

  • Apply strong analytical and mathematical skills

  • Seek collaborators and identify research topics worthy of study

  • Participate in educational activities (assisting in courses, guiding student theses)

  • Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences

  • Participate in committees and departmental administrative tasks

Candidate Profile

  • MSc in computer science, mathematics, or a related field

  • Strong scientific interest in the theory of computing

  • Strong academic performance in computer science, mathematics, or related courses

  • Demonstrated ability to conduct cutting-edge research

  • Willingness to work collaboratively with other researchers

  • Professional command of English and good presentation skills

Employment Details

  • Contract: Temporary, 38 hours per week, duration 4 years

    • Initial 18 months, extendable to 4 years after satisfactory evaluation

    • Preferred start: as soon as possible

  • Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month (38-hour week), excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance

  • Benefits: UFO profile PhD Candidate, 30% ruling may apply for non-Dutch applicants, Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands

Educational plan includes course attendance, international meetings, and assistance in undergraduate and MSc teaching.

Work Environment

  • Faculty of Science: ~8,000 students, 1,800 staff

  • Informatics Institute (IvI): research in AI, Computational Science, Systems and Network Engineering

  • Theory of Computer Science (TCS) group: research on theoretical foundations and computational limits

  • Access to active theoretical computer science research community at Amsterdam, CWI, and QuSoft

Application Procedure

Apply online by May 1, 2026. Include the following:

  1. Detailed CV (months and years of education/work experience)

  2. Motivation letter (max. 1 page)

  3. List of publications

  4. Research project report (e.g., Master thesis)

  5. Names and emails of 2–3 referees (letters not required at this stage)

Note: Upload all requested documents in a single PDF via the online application. Applications by email will not be considered.

Knowledge security check may be part of the selection process (national guidelines apply).

Contact

For questions or additional information:
Nicolas Resch, Assistant Professor
Email: n.resch@uva.nl

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy

  • Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment

  • Encourages applications even if candidates do not meet 100% of requested experience

Apply