Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
To our institution, which conducts research at the highest international level and offers several high-quality educational programs, we are now seeking one to two postdoctoral researcher to work on Cryptography and Cybersecurity. The position is full-time for two years, starting on 1 September 2026, or as agreed.
Department of Computing Science
The Department of Computing Science at Umeå University is an international environment for research and education covering a broad spectrum of computer science. The department is internationally renowned for its excellent research and education. We are affiliated with WASP – Sweden’s largest individual research program of all time, coordinate its sister program WASP-HS, which focuses on the consequences of emerging technologies, and are a strong partner in the national strategic research program eSSENCE. We value diversity and actively work to promote an inclusive work environment with a high level of engagement. Read more at: Department of Computing Science
Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/
Project description and working tasks
The project focuses on the design and analysis of advanced modes of operation for symmetric-key cryptography (including, but not limited to, message authentication codes, pseudorandom functions, encryption schemes, and hash functions) for applications such as quantum-secure and post-quantum cryptography, leakage- and tamper-resilient cryptography, or ultra-high-speed applications, supervised by Asst. Prof. Mustafa Khairallah. The research is expected to include a mixture of theory and practice.
Subjects include (but not limited to):
The design and analysis of leakage-resilient AEAD and Accordion modes.
The design and analysis of pseudo-random functions, with specific goals that include deck functions and post-quantum secure PRFs and MACs.
Implementation security of both post-quantum cryptography and leakage-resilient schemes.
The postdoctoral position is funded by WASP.
Qualifications
To be appointed under the agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow, the candidate is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their degree, in accordance with what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years ago. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree earlier than that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
The doctoral degree (or equivalent) should be with focus on cryptography, preferably in provable security.
Additional requirements are:
publications in top IACR venues (e.g. Eurocrypt, Asiacrypt, Crypto, FSE, CHES, TCC), or other top security venues (e.g. USENIX, CCS, S&P, EuroS&P, AsiaCCS, DAC, DATE).
excellent skills of written and spoken English.
It is meritorious if you:
have demonstrated the ability to work independently.
have demonstrated the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
are familiar with one of the following topics:
quantum computing or security analysis of quantum-secure and post-quantum-secure algorithms.
leakage- or tamper-resilient cryptography.
Application
A full application should include:
Cover letter describing your research interests and why you are applying for the advertised position
Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
Copy of doctoral thesis and 2 relevant articles,
A research statement of up to 2 pages,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim,
Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
The application must be written in English or Swedish. The research statement and attached publications must be in English. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is May 31, 2026. Further details are provided by Asst. Prof. Mustafa Khairallah (mustafa.khairallah@umu.se)
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
