PhD scholarship in Cryptography - DTU Compute

Jobbeskrivelse

We are looking for a motivated, ambitious PhD student to join the Cryptography Group in the Cybersecurity Engineering Section at DTU Compute (Copenhagen region, Denmark). This 3-year PhD position (starting on 1 January 2026) will focus on secure Multi-Party Computation and Zero-Knowledge Proofs.

You’ll join a growing, collaborative team of cryptographers at DTU, and you’ll get the chance to connect and work with leading researchers in the Copenhagen region and abroad. As part of the project, you will also have the opportunity to spend some months under the supervision of Assistant Professor Elena Pagnin at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Chalmers University.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The focus of the PhD project is on advancing the theory and practice of secure Multi-Party Computation (MPC) and Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Proofs. You will investigate the formal design and security analysis of MPC protocols and ZK proofs, with a particular emphasis on foundational aspects. The project will also explore efficiency and post-quantum security, aiming to bridge theoretical advances with their relevance to practical applications.

You will join the growing cryptography team at DTU and have the chance to collaborate with researchers both within the Copenhagen region and across Denmark, as well as with international partners. As part of the project, you will have the opportunity to spend some months at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Elena Pagnin, thereby benefiting from an extended international research environment.

We are looking for candidates with strong analytical skills, curiosity, and enthusiasm for cryptographic research. A solid background in theoretical computer science, mathematics, or a related field will be considered an asset. The position requires the ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with colleagues in a dynamic and international research environment.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment

The assessment will be conducted through online interviews.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. The latest starting date is 1 January 2026 or according to mutual agreement.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Luisa Siniscalchi (e-mail: luisi@dtu.dk, website https://www.luisasiniscalchi.com/). You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 October 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.