Postdoc in Attacks, Countermeasures & Eavesdropping on Quantum Key Distribution

Eindhoven University of Technology · Eindhoven, Netherlands

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The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Introduction

Are you passionate about keeping communications networks secure and trustworthy? Are you eager to explore attacks and countermeasures for QKD systems and to help ensure they can deliver the promised security advantages? Join us to work on QKD for quantum safe communications in future networks.

Job Description

The security of modern communications is threatened by advances in quantum computing which have the potential to break common methods for establishing and distributing cryptographic keys. Unless networks can be upgraded to new, quantum safe methods the trust in communications networks which modern society so heavily relies on for all aspects of life cannot be maintained. Post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution have been shown to be viable options to provide key agreement and distribution that is safe against attackers enabled by quantum computers. However, the implementations of QKD may introduce weaknesses not accounted for in security proofs, leaving systems vulnerable to side-channel and other types of attacks.

In this PostDoc position you will explore existing and novel attacks on QKD systems and develop countermeasures and analyze their security implications. You will create a simulation and analysis framework to validate and evaluate existing and novel attacks and countermeasures, and you will work on establishing standardized protocols for QKD security testing as well as attach and countermeasure evaluation. You will further develop hardware attack systems designed to eavesdrop on or otherwise compromise security of existing QKD implementations. In short, this PostDoc focuses on evaluating attacks and countermeasures for QKD systems and developing a hardware attack system to evaluate existing QKD implementations.

In this PostDoc you will become part of the quantum communications team at TU/e and will work very closely with industrial partners. You will be embedded in the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group of the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e. Within QTS you will work within a dynamic team of approximately thirty researchers and as part of ECO will be part of one of the leading groups on optical communications and networking with more than one hundred researchers. You will have the opportunity to work with and in the extensive laboratory facilities of the ECO group as well as the Quantum Communications Testbed NL (QuCT NL).

Job Requirements

Motivated researcher, with a PhD in quantum communications, quantum security, or a comparable domain (typically in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science).
Experience with QKD protocol design and implementation as well as protocol and implementation security analysis.
Experience with quantum key distribution at both theoretical and experimental level.
Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
A proven ability to liaise with internal and external project stakeholders and partners to develop common understanding and establish agreed designs.
Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

Full-time employment for 2 years with the possibility of extension.
Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Quantum Communications Testbed NL (QuCT NL) is a leading facility and infrastructure for the development and test of quantum safe communications and future quantum networks. This facility is fully operated by TU/e and forms the backbone of both academic research and research and development for and with industrial partners. It consists of a field-deployed network with quantum key distribution and quantum safe communications infrastructure from a multitude of vendors and implementing a variety of security mechanisms and protocols.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Simon Rommel, Assistant Professor, s.rommel@tue.nl or +31 40 247 5704.

Visit our website for more information about the application process.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.