We are looking for motivated PhD students interested in cryptography and privacy to join the research group in the beginning of 2026. The research field entails the development and analysis of provably secure cryptographic protocols. We are particularly interested in applied protocols and constructions for concrete real-world problems, as well as in foundational aspects underlying these protocols. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
- Privacy-preserving authentication
- Password-based cryptography, e.g., PAKEs
- Threshold cryptography
- Hardware-based cryptography
- Security analysis of real-world protocols
- Foundations of provable security
The work in cryptography typically requires to formally define the desired security and privacy goals, and then rigorously prove the security of newly developed constructions based on well-established mathematical assumptions. Thus, prospective students must bring the necessary skills to perform such formal studies:
Your skills & interests
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related area by the time of appointment
- Strong algorithmic or mathematical background and solid knowledge in the area of cryptography and IT security
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- High level of dedication and independence
- Willingness to mentor bachelor and master students
PhD students are expected to publish and present results at top-tier international conferences, and complete their degree in 3-4 years. Depending on the position, students are also required to support teaching activities of the group.
Please submit your application documents (only as PDF) via email to office-lehmann(at)hpi.de.
