(See our website for full information and application.)

This role is in the UK, with offices in London, Cambridge and Oxford. We will cover Visa applications. We look forward to reviewing you application!

As a research scientist in theoretical quantum cryptography you will work in our quantum cryptography team, which combines expertise in different fields such as quantum information, quantum and classical cryptography, mathematics and experimental physics. Our group researches and develops quantum-based solutions to problems in cryptography, see [1] for a sample of our work. Examples of our research interests include quantum random number generators, quantum key distribution but also any other cryptographic tasks with a quantum advantage. One particular focus of ours is to introduce methods for certifying the quantum behaviour of devices; this is closely related to the device-independent approach to quantum information. Our team works closely with the optics and engineering teams for the real-world implementation and deployment of our products.

In this role, you will both be expected to be able to conduct independent and original research, but also to participate in the joint team’s work and to be able to mentor and manage junior team members.

Our group works essentially like in academia, offering flexible working, with offices in London, Oxford and Cambridge. Previous and current collaborators/scientific advisors include Fernando Brandao, Mario Berta, Lluis Masanes and Stefano Pironio — collaboration with academia is encouraged. The group’s objectives are to develop, and ideally make practical, new applications in cryptography with a quantum advantage. We publish papers, file patents and have already developed products.

[1]https://quantum-journal.org/papers/q-2023-03-30-969/.

Responsibilities:
Research and design new cryptography applications with a quantum advantage, together with their security proofs.
Find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in quantum cryptography.
Develop real-world applications and implementations of promising quantum cryptography protocols.
Mentor and direct other members of the team.

Key Requirements:
PhD (or equivalent experience) in physics, mathematics, computer science or a related field.
Scientific programming skills (e.g. Python, C/C++ and/or other).
Experience and track record of publications in topics related to quantum cryptography. Examples include randomness certification, QKD, mistrustful and uncloneable crypto, (quantum) complexity theory, randomness extractors or entropy accumulation techniques.
Capacity and desire to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Beneficial:
Knowledge of numerical optimisation techniques and tools.
Knowledge of the so-called device-independent approach.
Knowledge of mathematical algorithms used in quantum cryptographic protocols, such as randomness extractors, error correcting codes and/or privacy amplification.
An understanding of general (non-quantum) cryptography.