Research Scientist in Cryptography at Simula UiB

Simula UiB (simula-uib.com) is a research institute in Cryptography and Information Theory based in Bergen, Norway. We are seeking a Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist for a permanent position in the Department of Cryptography, specialising in post-quantum cryptography.

The Department of Cryptography at Simula UiB conducts research on the design and analysis of cryptographic algorithms, side-channel analysis and privacy-enhancing technologies. It currently comprises 11 members, including permanent staff, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, and is led by Dr Martijn Stam. Simula UiB also hosts the Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA), one of Norway’s four national centres for quantum technology research. Launched in May 2026, QCNA has eight academic and industry partners and includes quantum cyber security as a core research theme. As a member of the Department of Cryptography, the successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to activities within the QCNA centre.

Job Description

We are currently hiring a permanent (senior) research scientist to conduct research in applied post-quantum cryptography, including the design, analysis and implementation of cryptographic schemes. As an integral part of the research, the successful candidate is expected to supervise and mentor early-career researchers (PhD students and postdoctoral researchers) and contribute positively to the collaborative research environment at Simula UiB and our international research profile. The appointee will play an active role in developing externally funded research activities at Simula UiB, including preparing and coordinating research proposals at both the national and European levels, particularly through programmes such as the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and Horizon Europe, including the European Research Council (ERC).

Candidate Profile

We are seeking candidates with a PhD in cryptography, computer science, applied mathematics or a related discipline, with expertise in post-quantum cryptography.

Research track record: The successful candidate should be able to conduct both independent and collaborative, high-impact research and have experience in the design, analysis or implementation of post-quantum cryptographic schemes, demonstrated through publications in leading international venues. Expertise in related areas, such as cryptographic engineering, implementation security, side-channel analysis or applied cryptography more broadly will be an advantage.

Supervision and scientific leadership: We are particularly interested in applicants with supervisory experience, including supervising PhD students and junior researchers. Experience contributing to research leadership, including shaping collaborative research activities or developing new research directions, will be highly valued. While the position carries no formal teaching obligations, opportunities may arise through collaborations with partner universities to contribute to teaching or supervision of master’s and undergraduate students.

Project and grant management: The successful candidate should have experience in managing research projects. Experience in securing competitive research funding is highly desirable.

Other: We are looking for a motivated and collaborative researcher who will contribute positively to the research environment at Simula UiB. Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English are required.

Simula UiB is part of the Simula group (www.simula.no), a leading research institute in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Norway. The Simula group values diversity and promotes an inclusive and international working environment, with around 180 members of staff from 37 countries. We aim to provide a family-friendly workplace and are an equal opportunity employer, especially encouraging women to apply. More information about the culture at Simula: www.simula.no/about/simula-culture.

Simula UiB offers

• An ambitious and internationally oriented research environment with excellent opportunities to conduct high-quality research in cryptography.
• A highly collaborative and intellectually vibrant department, with close interaction among permanent researchers, postdocs and PhD students, as well as with national and international partners.
• An informal, inclusive and international working environment.
• Support for travel and opportunities to build international networks.
• Modern office facilities, located at Marineholmen in the city centre of Bergen.
• A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Administrative research support, such as a quality assurance process for grant proposals and budgeting assistance.
• Professional development and researcher training opportunities (see Simula Academy).
• Numerous employee benefits, including access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, an equipment budget, and a comprehensive travel/health insurance policy.
• Relocation assistance, including accommodation, visas and complimentary Norwegian language courses.
• Healthy wellness and work-life balance arrangements.

Application

Interested candidates should apply via the link and provide:

• Cover letter, outlining the motivation for applying for the position, relevant experience and qualifications, and how your expertise and research interests align with the activities of Simula UiB.
• Curriculum Vitae, including details of your educational background, work experience (in particular academic or industrial experience), publications, supervision experience, invited talks, research funding and other relevant professional activities.
• Research statement, describing past research contributions, current research interests, and future research plans, including potential directions for externally funded research activities and collaborations.
• Contact information for three referees, who may be contacted with the candidate’s consent.

The application deadline is 28 June 2026 (23:59 CEST). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may conclude the recruitment process as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified. The starting date is negotiable.

Contact

For further enquiries about this position, please contact Martijn Stam (martijn@simula.no).
For administrative enquiries, please contact bergen@simula.no.

About Simula and Norway

Simula UiB AS is a research institute owned by Simula Research Laboratory AS and the University of Bergen (UiB). It collaborates closely with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in research and in the education of master’s and PhD students. One of its goals is to strengthen Norway’s cyber security expertise through research and education in cryptography and information theory.

Simula UiB provides an ambitious and internationally oriented research environment, with a strong focus on high-quality fundamental and applied research, international collaboration, and long-term scientific impact. In the recent EVALMIT research evaluation conducted by the Norwegian Research Council, Simula UiB was rated “internationally outstanding in terms of research output and very good to excellent in terms of collaboration with industry and public sector partners.”

Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research lab that conducts ICT research in the fields of Scientific Computing, Software Engineering, Communication Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. Simula's main objective is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value to society. This is achieved through high-quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialisation. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. Learn more about working at Simula and careers at Simula.

Norway is famous for its outdoor scenery, with gorgeous fjords, waterfalls and mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare.

Learn more about Norway: Official travel guide to Norway

Simula UiB uses Semac’s background check in our recruitment process. Employment for this position will be made according to the Security Act and the Act relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who, by assessment of the application and any attachments, are considered to conflict with these will not qualify for this position. Candidates who may be eligible for a security clearance in Norway will be prioritised.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.