The Cryptography and Privacy Engineering Group (ENCRYPTO) at the Department of Computer Science of the Technical University of Darmstadt offers a position as doctoral researcher (PhD) in Cryptography and Privacy Engineering for doing cutting-edge research in applied cryptography/secure multi-party computation. The full position is to be filled as soon as possible and initially for 3 years with the possibility of extension.

About our department

The mission of the Cryptography and Privacy Engineering Group (ENCRYPTO) at the Department of Computer Science of TU Darmstadt is to demonstrate that privacy can be efficiently protected in real-world applications. For this, we bring theoretical results into practice by combining methods from cryptography with algorithm engineering. Our focus is on developing highly optimized cryptographic protocols, tools, and open-source software prototypes that efficiently protect sensitive data in various applications. See our topics for further information.

We offer an open, international working atmosphere and a strong team spirit, with the aim of enabling excellent research. TU Darmstadt is a top research university for IT security and cryptography in Europe and for computer science in Europe.

Your tasks

You will be working in research within the ERC Consolidator Grant “Tools for Protecting Data and Function Privacy (PRIVTOOLS)” and in teaching.

In PRIVTOOLS, we develop composable protocols, optimizations, and tools to protect data and functions in applications. For this, we use in particular Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Private Function Evaluation (PFE), and Private Set Operations (PSO) such as Private Set Intersection (PSI) and Private Set Union (PSU). As a research assistant at ENCRYPTO, you will design and optimize efficient cryptographic protocols and tools for their automatic generation, realize these as prototypes, and evaluate their efficiency. The results of your research will be published and presented by you at top conferences and journals.

At the same time, you will be involved in the teaching activities of the ENCRYPTO group, e.g., the integrated course Cryptographic Protocols and the basic course Digital Technology. Furthermore, you will supervise thesis students and mentor student assistants.

Your profile

• Completed (or close to completed) University Science Degree (Master or equivalent) at a university with excellent grades in IT security, computer science, or a similar field.
• Extensive knowledge in applied cryptography/IT security and very good software development skills are required.
• Ideally, you already have experience in cryptographic protocols such as Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Private Function Evaluation (PFE), and/or Private Set Operations (PSO).
• Knowledge in compiler construction and/or hardware synthesis is an advantage.
• Experience in research and writing scientific publications is an advantage.
• Interest in academic teaching is required

We require a high degree of self-motivation, reliability, diligence, creativity, and the ability to work independently. We expect interest in excellent research on challenging scientific problems with practical relevance. As the working language at ENCRYPTO is English, you must be able to discuss, write, and present scientific results in English. For the area of teaching, knowledge of German is advantageous but not necessary.

We offer

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.

General information, data privacy

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV – TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

Contact

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Schneider <application@encrypto.cs.tu-…>.

How to Apply

In order to apply, please visit the official job advertisement.

Start date: 01.06.2026

Application deadline: 15.06.2026