The Department of Informatics (www.uib.no/en/ii) has a vacancy for a PhD position within cryptography. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years, starting as soon as possible in 2016, and funded by the project “Modern Methods and Tools for Theoretical and Applied Cryptology” (CryptoWorld), awarded by the Research Council of Norway.

About the Department:

The Department has 6 research groups, Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Optimization, Programming Theory, Reliable Communication and Visualization. The Department is ranked first in Norway with respect to the quality of its research by the Research Council of Norway. For more information visit our Web pages: http://www.uib.no/en/ii

About the project/work tasks:

• Focus is on mathematical methods of cryptography, in particular Elliptic Curve Cryptography and algebraic attacks.
• Develop new methods of algebraic cryptanalysis and apply them to modern cryptographic primitives.
• Advance theoretical understanding of the complexity of Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem.

Qualifications and personal qualities

• The applicants must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in mathematics or computer science in an area related to algebra/number theory applications in cryptography. Candidates are invited to apply if they plan to complete their final master’s exam by 1 September 2016. Employment will then be postponed until the master’s degree is obtained.
• Good general mathematical background is preferred as well.
• Experience in computer programming is required; knowledge of some computer algebra packages is an advantage.
• The applicants must demonstrate commitment to research and the ability to work hard on the suggested problems.
• The applicants should be able to work independently and in a structured manner and to demonstrate good collaborative skills.
• The applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English.

About the PhD position:

The fellowship position is for a fixed term of 3 years. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a recruitment position.

The research training programme:

As a research fellow you must take part in an approved study programme leading to a PhD degree to be completed within a time period of 3 years. It is therefore a requirement that you meet the criteria for admission to the PhD study at the University of Bergen.

A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty within three months after you have commenced in the position.

We can offer

• a good and professionally challenging working environment
• salary at pay grad 50 (code 1017); currently NOK 430 500 gross p.a. Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position.
• enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• a position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise)
• good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information of at least two referees. One of these must be the main supervisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.
• CV (in addition to completing the CV in Jobbnorge).
• Transcripts and diplomas that are complete on the closing date of application.
• if you have not yet completed your master´s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of the award of your master’s degree. Your master’s degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma, alternatively a confirmation from your institution on completed degree and your grade, by 1 September 2016.
• Relevant certificates/references.
• A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
• Publications (if any).

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

Closing date for application: 30 June 2016

General information

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Tor Helleseth, Tor.Helleseth@uib.no / phone (+47) 55 58 41 60 or Professor Igor Semaev, Igor.Semaev@uib.no

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. It is also a goal to recruit people with immigrant backgrounds. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.