About the opportunity
The Chair of Symmetric Cryptography at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for the ERC Advanced Grant project “SymTrust.” The research focuses on the design and analysis of symmetric cryptographic primitives, with an emphasis on security arguments, security proofs, their limitations, and tool-based security analysis of modern symmetric encryption schemes. The objective is to publish top-tier international papers, expand the research network, initiate international collaborations, and develop independent research questions.
Salary and benefits
- Employment as a scientific staff member under the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L), classified at pay grade E 13 TV-L upon fulfillment of personal and collective requirements.
- Full-time position (39.83 hours per week = 100%) running until the project end date of August 31, 2028.
- No mandatory teaching obligations if funding is exclusively derived from external third-party grants.
- Challenging and varied tasks with high personal responsibility and a qualified onboarding process.
- Collaboration within a dedicated and appreciative team with extensive training and professional development opportunities.
- Free German and English language courses provided by the university.
Who can apply?
- Completed doctorate (Ph.D.) in symmetric cryptography.
- Excellent publication record at top international conferences in the field.
- Proficiency in at least one of the campus languages (German or English) and willingness to acquire skills in the other.
Required documents
- Cover letter (specifying reference number ANR 6220)
- Tabular CV
- Certificates (e.g., employment references, degree certificates, training certificates)
When to apply
- Applications are accepted until October 26, 2026.
How to apply
- Prepare your application documents including cover letter referencing ANR 6220, CV, and certificates.
- Submit your application through the official online application portal by the deadline of October 26, 2026.
Additional information
- The position is part of the ERC project SymTrust under Professor Gregor Leander at the Faculty of Computer Science.
- The official job reference number (ANR) is 6220.
- Travel, accommodation, and loss of earnings expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed.
- The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is an equal opportunity employer and explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers holding a completed Ph.D. with a strong track record of publications in top-tier symmetric cryptography conferences.
- Early-career academics looking to build an international research network and advance their career within an ERC-funded project.
- Candidates seeking a well-funded fixed-term research position with no mandatory teaching obligations.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is fixed-term, ending concurrently with the project on August 31, 2028.
- Candidates must be prepared to relocate to Bochum, Germany, as the work is on-site.
- Proficiency in either German or English is mandatory, along with a willingness to learn the other language.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers an exceptional platform for researchers aiming to produce high-impact international publications in cryptographic security and establish valuable global collaborations within an elite European Research Council framework.
Our take
This role is ideal for ambitious postdoctoral researchers specializing in symmetric cryptography who want to focus purely on high-visibility research. Applicants must apply through the online portal by October 26, 2026, referencing ANR 6220.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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