Researcher in Cryptography (INT-UQKD) M/W/X

MAIN TASKS

• You keep up with the latest developments in the field of cryptography.
• You interact with project partners and within the cryptography group.
• You gain a deep understanding of (post-quantum) cryptography and QKD.
• You gain practical knowledge studying cryptography/security standards and best practices.
• You deliver on the planned contributions of RMA in the project (classical cryptography surrounding QKD and hybrid schemes).
• At the project's conclusion, you could continue working within the cryptography group, for example by pursuing a PhD.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

You hold a master's or a PhD degree in science or applied sciences (mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering or cryptography) or have a similar academic background. This position is open for junior profiles or experienced profiles.

¿MUST HAVE¿ skills

• Mathematics: knowledge of discrete mathematics.
• Strong interest for theoretical and applied cryptography: this includes (but is not limited to) cryptographic algorithms, protocols, standards and security principles, implementation security.

¿NICE TO HAVE¿ skills

• Experience in the field of research

Personal skills

• You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
• You think in an innovative and creative way.
• You communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
• You take initiative.

Other skills

• The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written).
• Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Although unforeseen, the researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the project.

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: from September 2026, in consultation with the applicants.
• Status: Full-time employment based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).
• Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed for 26 months. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this project fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.
• Wage scale: depending on your qualifications, wage scale NA11 (holder of a Master's degree in Science or equivalent) or NA21 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master's in Engineering Sciences, doctor's degree in the same area of expertise) with valuable / relevant seniority. A salary simulation can be done here: Simulateur de salaire . RMA applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
• Holiday pay.

EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
• Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
• Holidays:
• 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
• 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
• Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centers, discount on travel organized by the tour operator...;
• Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defense (subject to availability).