The Cryptography Research Group at University College Cork (UCC) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on the project “Adaptive Privacy-preservation in the Internet of Things”. The research work will focus on advanced cryptography and privacy techniques, including local differential privacy and homomorphic encryption/secure multi-party computation, and how they can be applied to smart and IoT settings.
The PhD student will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Paolo Palmieri, University College Cork (UCC), and co-Investigator Dr. Hazel Murray, Munster Technological University (MTU). The student will join the thriving Security Group at UCC, where several other PhD students and Post-Doctoral researchers are carrying out related research. The project is a collaboration between UCC (host organization) and MTU, and part of CONNECT - Centre for Future Networks & Communications, a major Science Foundation Ireland research initiative.
Candidates should have a background/strong interest in security and privacy, as well as a good grasp of mathematics. Previous experience in cryptography is an asset, but is not required. Applicants should hold a good honours undergraduate or Masters degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, or other relevant subject.
The successful applicant will receive a stipend of €19,000 per annum for up to four years (subject to successful annual progress reviews) and an annual contribution towards tuition fees. As part of the project, a travel budget is available to present at international conferences. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to work with the Principal Investigator and co-Investigator extensive network of international research collaborations.
We anticipate a start date for PhD students to be Autumn 2023 or shortly thereafter.
Applications must include, in PDF format only: 1) Cover Letter (1 page) explaining their interest in the project topic, and mentioning any previous experience in security/privacy/cryptography;2) Full CV; 3) Transcript of results for all university level modules and courses.

Contact: Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Paolo Palmieri, at:

How to apply: Applications can be submitted at the following link:
https://ucc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brw0JC79mZz2lmu

Deadline: September 7, 2023. Early applications are encouraged.

The Cryptography Research Group at University College Cork (UCC) is looking for a highly motivated Post-Doctoral or Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher in homomorphic encryption. The researcher will be employed on the Horizon Europe project “SECURED”, aimed at scaling up the secure processing of health data, and will focus on homomorphic encryption and secure multi-party computation, and how they can be efficiently used in the e-health context. The Principal Investigator of the project in UCC is Dr. Paolo Palmieri.
The candidate should hold a PhD degree in cryptography or related area, with a good track record of publications. Ideally, they will have experience in homomorphic encryption, or related areas such as lattice-based or other post-quantum cryptography, secure multiparty computation etc. Candidates with a background in other areas of cryptography, but with a strong interest in homomorphic encryption will also be considered. A strong mathematical background is expected, complemented with programming skills. Experience with relevant libraries such as SEAL, HElib etc. is an asset.
The position is for 2 years, with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funding. The successful candidate will be appointed at Post-Doctoral or Senior Post-Doctoral level depending on their experience and qualifications. A budget for travel, equipment, publications and other research expenses is available as part of the project.
The Cryptography Research Group is led by Dr Paolo Palmieri and consists of 8 researchers at doctoral and post-doctoral level. The hired researcher will be encouraged to collaborate with other members of the group, and to take a mentoring role with some of the more junior researchers. There will also be ample opportunities to work with other partners in the SECURED project (including some of the top research groups in cryptography, both in industry and academia), as well as with the group’s extensive network of international collaborations.

Contact: Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Paolo Palmieri, at:

How to apply: Applications should be submitted through the University portal at https://ore.ucc.ie/ (search for reference number: 069532). E-mail applications cannot be considered.

Deadline: August 10, 2023 at 12:00 (noon) Irish time. Early applications are encouraged.