PhD Position in Secure Multi-Party Computation

Are you intrigued by the idea of unlocking the full potential of data while ensuring privacy Do you enjoy working in a team of young and motivated researchers If so we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Join our team!

Cryptography today is about much more than just securing communicationit is also a powerful tool for enabling private computations. Secure Multi-Party Computation (MPC) is an exciting field that bridges privacy and data utility allowing multiple parties with private inputs to perform joint computations without revealing their individual data. This technology has far-reaching implications across industries from healthcare to finance empowering secure and privacy-preserving data analysis.

We are looking for a PhD student to join our team and contribute tocutting-edgeresearch in theoretical computer science with a focus on Secure Multi-Party Computation. You will join the Theory of Computer Science group at the Informatics Institute. This PhD project aims to push the boundaries of our understanding of the feasibility of MPC protocols as well as design more efficient protocols for real-world applications. The PhD candidate will haveample opportunitiesto collaborate with leading scientists from these institutions as well as with the broader vibrant community of theoretical computer science researchers in Amsterdam ().

What are you going to do

You are expected to:

• carry out original research in the field of theoretical computer science;
• have strong analytical and mathematical skills;
• take part in ongoing educational activities such asassistingin courses and guiding student theses at the BSc or MSc level;
• bean active participant in the theoretical computer science field of research publishing in peer-reviewed international journals and presenting at top-level conferences.

What do you havetooffer

We are looking for a candidate with:

• an MSc in computer science mathematics or a related field;
• a strong scientific interest in cryptography;
• strong academic performance in university-level courses in computer science mathematics and other related fields;
• a demonstrated ability to perform research (for instance in the form of a Master thesis);
• the willingness to work collaboratively with other researchers;
• professional command of English and good presentation skills.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years).The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026 (open to discussion).This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience ranges between 3059 to 3881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at ScienceParkwe offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• A complete educational program for PhD students;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management handlingstressand an online learning platform with 100 different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for whichUvApays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment whenyouremoving from abroad.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package You can read more about it here.

You will work in this team

TheFaculty of Science(FNWI) has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 members of staff working in educationresearchor support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works be it elementary particles the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of theInformatics Institute(IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large with a focus on collaborative data driven computational and intelligent systems all with a strong interactivecomponent.

TheTheory of Computer Sciencegroup does research on the theoretical foundations of computer science. The aim is to seek greater understanding of fundamental computational techniques and their inherent limitations.

If you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. Application review will start30 March2026 andwill stay open until a suitable candidate has been found even if this is prior to the final date of the application window on1 May2026. For full consideration apply on or before30March2026.

Applications should include the following information (tobesubmittedinone single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation (at most 1 page) explaining why you are interested in this position;
• a list of all university courses taken including a transcript of grades;
• a list of publications (if any);
• a report from a research project you have done (e.g. your Master thesis);
• the names and email addresses of twoor threereferences who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details:national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please do not send any applications by email.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information Please contact:

• DivyaRavi Assistant Professor