Doctoral researcher in the field of post-quantum cryptography

Position Details (PhD Program)

Faculty of Technology, Department of Computing invites applications for a 3-year position as doctoral researcher in the field of post-quantum cryptography. The fixed-term position starts as soon as possible on mutual agreement, and the duration of the employment is 3 years (36 months).

Job description

This is a three-year, fully funded doctoral researcher position within a European defense project that brings together leading universities and industry partners across Europe. The selected candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team and contribute to cutting-edge research in post-quantum cryptography.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement state-of-the-art post-quantum cryptographic protocols and algorithms.
Collaborate closely with top-tier European universities and industrial partners.
Participate in project implementation and reporting activities.
Contribute to academic life by supervising MSc and Bachelor students, and assisting in teaching activities.
Engage in training opportunities including proposal writing, high-impact scientific publishing, and collaborative research with international teams.

Who we are looking for

Requirements

MSc degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of cryptography, algorithms, or information security (knowledge of post-quantum cryptography is a plus).
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Interest in collaborative research with both academia and industry.
Good communication skills in English (written and spoken).

Qualification requirements

The eligibility criteria for prospective applicants are defined in the University of Turku’s rules of procedure.

A person selected for the post of doctoral researcher is required to have a right to pursue a doctoral degree. In addition, when acquiring their degree or otherwise, they are required to have demonstrated the ability to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.

Please note that before obtaining the study right for a Doctoral Program, the job title will beProject Researcher,and the duration of the contract is 6 months. The candidate is expected to apply for the study right in the next available call to e.g. the Doctoral program in Technology.

Thus, please check the student information and application criteriaDoctoral program in Technology - Admission Criteria and Instructions for Applicants | University of Turku(please pay attention to the mandatory skill level in English).

Read more about the University of Turku's doctoral programs and how to apply for study rightsJoin us for your doctoral studies at the University of Turku!| University of Turku

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We Offer:

A three-year fully funded PhD position in an internationally recognized research environment.
Opportunities to publish in top-tier cybersecurity journals and flag-ship conferences.
Opportunities to collaborate with and visit outstanding European universities and industrial partners.
Training courses for academic researchers, e.g., proposal writing, scientific writing, project development, teaching qualification.
A vibrant, international, and supportive research community.

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from ourCome work with us!pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use theHR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salaryand trial period

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.

For a doctoral/project researcher (OV02-OV04), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 2500–2700 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.

The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.

A six (6) month trial period applies to the position.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 16February,2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki). Kindly note that this closing date has changed.

Your application should include the following:

A motivation letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A list of publications
Copies of degree certificates with translation in English or in Finnish
Other documents that may affect the decision-making (for example a research plan, awards, a valid English proficiency certificate, e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)

Further information

Home page of the research group: http://www.utu.fi/cyber

For further information about the position, please contact:Associate ProfessorKaitai Liang,[emailprotected].

With questions about the application process, please contact:HR SpecialistNina Reini, [emailprotected].

Department of Computing

The Department of Computing educates professionals for the modern digitalised society. Central themes of teaching and research include Digitalisation, Machine Learning, Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Health Technology.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

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