Postdoctoral Scholars / Applied Cryptography Unit
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST – www.oist.jp) is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates multidisciplinary research. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration. English is the official language of the University, and its research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research.
Position Summary
Postdoctoral Scholar in Cryptography (up to four positions)
The Applied Cryptography Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is seeking to hire up to four postdoctoral scholars in cryptography. The Unit, led by Prof. Carlos Cid, was established in 2022, to conduct research in the design and analysis of modern cryptographic primitives and schemes used to protect confidentiality and integrity of data, both in the classical and in the quantum settings. The Applied Cryptography Unit is also part of OIST Center for Quantum Technologies.
To forge and develop the Unit's research activities, we are seeking to hire up to four outstanding post-doctoral researchers to join us, to work in the following topics: post-quantum / quantum cryptography (design and analysis), quantum cryptanalysis, post-quantum cryptographic techniques for privacy-preserving mechanisms.
The postdocs will be provided with funding and access to world-class facilities to pursue their research. The Unit aims to establish a highly collaborative environment, and we expect there will be several opportunities to work with other research groups at OIST, in Japan and overseas
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
The postdoctoral scholars will work together and in cooperation with Prof Carlos Cid in developing the research activities in cryptography at OIST. They are expected to pursue research projects independently and in collaboration with Prof Cid, other unit members, as well as internal/external collaborators. In addition, all unit members are expected to support training and mentorship of students and other unit staff.
We are seeking candidates with excellent post-graduate academic formation in cryptography, mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field, with research experience in a topic of relevance to the role. Candidates must have a PhD at the time of commencing the position. Ideal candidates will be curious, creative, highly motivated and able to work independently. They will also have good communication and inter-personal skills. The Applied Cryptography Unit fosters a respectful, constructive and inclusive working culture and environment. We welcome all applicants regardless of background.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
Applications should be in the form of a single pdf file with:
- Cover letter, outlining the motivation for applying for the position, research interests, experience and qualifications of relevance for the position;
- CV with a list of publications;
- Names and contact information of two referees, one of which should be a previous employer.
*Applicants will be considered until the positions are filled, but submission by 31 January 2024 will guarantee full consideration.
* Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to OIST after a conditional offer of employment
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 1 year/2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)