Senior Researcher Crypto

How can you use cryptography to exchange information without sharing sensitive data? What are all the uses blockchain will offer us in the future? At TNO you come up with solutions to these kinds of interesting issues. But that is not all.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?
How do we create cryptographic protocols that can withstand the enormous power of quantum computers? How can you use cryptography to exchange information without sharing sensitive data? What are all the uses blockchain will offer us in the future? At TNO you come up with solutions to these kinds of interesting issues. But that is not all. With the software you develop, we demonstrate the solutions to our clients.

In the cryptoteam of the Cyber Security & Robustness department, you work on innovative projects, often together with partners from the business community, governments or knowledge institutes in and outside the Netherlands. For example, we are currently working intensively on secure multi-party computation. Think of banks that seek to detect fraudulent transactions together, without revealing their customers' payment data to competitors. Or hospitals and insurance companies that want to safely combine their patient databases in order to gain insight into healthcare costs.

Together with your colleagues, you devise cryptographic protocols that enable the secure exchange of information, today and in the future. Have you found a cryptographic solution? Then you develop the software needed to show the customer how the protocols work. In addition to the research, you also undertake very practical work. Furthermore, you can to a large extent organise your own work. Do you like working abroad on a project for the EU? Or would you like to see your name shine under a scientific publication? TNO offers you all the possibilities.

WHAT DO WE REQUIRE OF YOU?
As a senior cryptography researcher you have recognisable input in drawing up TNO's annual plan and vision. You ensure that TNO is at the forefront of your field and provide substantive input for new major research programmes. Our clients approach you directly as an advisor on complex issues, which makes you an inspiring role model within TNO. And you ensure that knowledge is passed on to colleagues. Collaboration, customer focus and result focus are competencies that fit in well with your way of working.

You also have:

• A university degree or PhD, preferably in Information Technology or another technical study with sufficient affinity with ICT.
• At least 10 years' relevant work experience.
• Demonstrable expertise and interest in cryptography
• Experience with popular IT platforms and tooling.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT OF YOUR WORK SITUATION?
The Cyber Security and Robustness (CSR) department comprises approximately 50 enthusiastic professionals Our professionals are very knowledgeable able about (technical) cyber security, and quantitative models and algorithms, and very experienced in developing and applying innovative technology and methods. In the field of cryptography in particular, we have top-level expertise available to us and are looking for motivated researchers to help us meet the growing demand for high-quality cryptographic innovations. To do this, we work closely with partners such as universities, other knowledge institutes, service providers and product suppliers, in the Netherlands and abroad. Our contribution ranges from providing independent advice to conducting exploratory research into promising technology We also make technology usable for a specific client or context, e.g. by developing proof-of-concepts. Clients for our research include the defence sector, financial institutes, telecom service providers and parties operating in the mobility and logistics sector. For many of our clients, a secure and robust ICT system is a crucial to their business’ success. In our Cryptography department, we are working on a number of innovative technologies, including:

• Technology to analyse blockchain transactions.
• Technology to find vulnerabilities in software
• Technology to detect as yet unknown attacks.
• Secure multi-party computation: carrying out calculations on sensitive data of several parties using cryptographic techniques without sharing this data.
• Post-quantum cryptography: research into cryptographic protocols that can withstand quantum computers.
• Quantum cryptography: research into new cryptographic techniques made possible by quantum computing

You may want to start working in Groningen. You will then join an office with about fifteen colleagues from your department. Advantage: here you know everyone by name. If you choose The Hague, you will be working in a larger office with flexible workplaces and colleagues who go for a walk in the city on their lunch break. Both locations have an open atmosphere radiating team spirit. Your team consists of a mix of junior and medior employees and a number of experienced specialists.

WHAT CAN TNO OFFER YOU?
Challenging and varied work. And full of opportunities because at TNO you are, by and large, the master of your own career. Besides a gross monthly salary in schaal 12 (depending on your knowledge and experience), holiday pay and a thirteenth month, you will be given ample opportunities for self-development. At TNO, you can put together a ‘menu’ of terms of employment that suits your personal situation. What you can expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative work environment, with high-calibre experts as colleagues.
• 28 days of holiday and 5 ATV days (additional days of paid leave) (on the basis of full-time employment).
• Travel allowance or a bicycle.
• A good pension scheme.
• The opportunity to do courses, training programmes and workshops, and attend conferences.