Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica
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PhD Student in Formal Methods and Design Automation for Cryptography and Hardware Security Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a full-time salaried PhD employment position under the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres. The initial contract is 18 months and may be extended by 30 months after positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary is €3,115 in the first year and increases to €3,989 over the four-year period. Employees receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.33% year-end bonus, flexible scheduling, and housing assistance for expatriate employees.
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica
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About this position
Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, invites applications for a full-time PhD student in its Computer Security research group. The project focuses on formal methods and design automation for cryptography and hardware security within the NWO Gravitation programme Challenges in Cyber Security (CiCS).
Research may include logic synthesis for secure computation, optimization for multi-party computation and fully homomorphic encryption, computer-aided cryptography, automated reasoning, formal verification, hardware security, side-channel resistance, and privacy-preserving verification using zero-knowledge proofs. The successful researcher will develop theoretical models, algorithms, and security proofs; implement prototype tools; evaluate realistic benchmarks; collaborate internationally; and publish and present results at leading conferences.
Applicants need a Master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, or a related field, with strong theoretical and analytical skills. Programming experience in Python and/or C++ is expected. Background in formal methods, cryptography, secure computation, logic synthesis, or hardware security is advantageous. Excellent English, academic communication skills, research potential, and teamwork are preferred.
The position offers a salaried PhD contract under Dutch research-centre employment conditions, beginning with 18 months and potentially extending by 30 months. Salary ranges from €3,115 to €3,989 gross per month over four years, plus holiday allowance, year-end bonus, flexible scheduling, and housing assistance for expatriate employees. The application deadline is 31 December 2026, with evaluation beginning immediately.
Funding details
This is a full-time salaried PhD employment position under the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres. The initial contract is 18 months and may be extended by 30 months after positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary is €3,115 in the first year and increases to €3,989 over the four-year period. Employees receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.33% year-end bonus, flexible scheduling, and housing assistance for expatriate employees.
What's required
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, or a related discipline. They should have a strong theoretical foundation, such as in logic, discrete mathematics, cryptography, or formal methods, and well-developed analytical skills. Programming skills in Python and/or C++ and willingness to build research prototypes are required. Knowledge of formal methods, logic synthesis, secure computation including MPC, FHE, or zero-knowledge proofs, or hardware security including side-channel analysis is advantageous. Research talent, excellent English, strong academic writing and presentation skills, ability to work in an international interdisciplinary team, and interest in collaboration are preferred.
How to apply
Submit a detailed resume, motivation letter, list of MSc courses and grades, a copy of your Master’s thesis, and preferably a publication list through the CWI application portal. Applications are evaluated immediately until the position is filled.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.