Cryptographic Researcher

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Cryptographic Analyst to join our Research & Development (R&D) team at Cavero Quantum. This role is ideal for a candidate with a strong background in cryptography, security, and post-quantum solutions, preferably with a PhD (or Masters) in cryptography, mathematics, or a related subject.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CTO, research and development team, and Lead Engineer to design, analyse, and develop cutting-edge cryptographic solutions that secure our platform for the post-quantum era. Key responsibilities will include:

Research & Cryptography Development

• Conduct applied cryptographic research, contributing to the development of secure quantum-safe cryptographic solutions.
• Work closely with the R&D team, CTO and Lead Engineer to design, test, analyse, and implement cryptographic protocols and algorithms for key distribution and authentication.
• Evaluate and analyse the security of key distribution and authentication algorithms, and benchmark against existing cryptographic algorithms.
• Extend research into other, related cryptographic techniques such as signing and encryption, and analyse their relationship with Cavero's quantum-safe techniques.
• Use mathematical and cryptographic background to help produce mathematical models and security proofs

Algorithm Analysis & Testing

• Analyse and test cryptographic algorithms and protocols to ensure they meet security, performance, and scalability requirements.
• Contribute to the development of and maintain security modelling software
• Identify vulnerabilities and assist in cryptanalysis to assess the robustness of our cryptographic implementations against current and future threats.
• Collaborate with others to produce proof-of-concept demonstrations utilising quantum-safe cryptographic techniques in development in a variety of scenarios.

Collaboration with R&D and Engineering Teams

• Collaborate with the R&D team to integrate academic research into practical cryptographic solutions.
• Work alongside the Lead Engineer and engineering team to translate cryptographic research into scalable, commercial products.
• Contribute to internal technical discussions, sharing insights and findings from research to inform product and security strategies.
• Contribute to technical discussions with potential partners applying cryptographic expertise to assist in the implementation of Cavero's quantum-safe technologies.

Quantum-Safe Cryptography Focus

• Focus on developing and testing cryptographic solutions that address quantum-safe security challenges.
• Stay informed about the latest advancements in post-quantum cryptography and contribute to projects aligned with NIST PQC standards and other emerging standards.
• Explore novel cryptographic algorithms and protocols, particularly those resistant to quantum computing attacks.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing

• Document cryptographic research, experiments, and solutions for both internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to the development of technical papers, reports, and publications that showcase the R&D team's progress and achievements.
• Actively participate in knowledge sharing, helping to bridge academic research with commercial applications.
• Share and discuss cutting-edge developments in quantum-safe security with the R&D team.

Engagement with Standards Authorities & Regulators

• Work with standards authorities and regulators to validate and approve cryptographic solutions for various global markets.
• Work with the team to ensure compliance with global cryptographic and security standards, including NIST, ISO, and regional regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to testing, documentation, and certification processes required for regulatory approval of cryptographic systems.

Security & Compliance Contributions

• Ensure that cryptographic implementations exceed industry security standards and regulatory requirements.
• Design authentication, data protection, and key management solutions to ensure secure and compliant systems.

Requirements:

• PhD (or Masters + relevant experience) in Cryptography, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field with a focus on cryptography and security, and/or mathematical analysis.
• Experience with understanding or developing security proofs is desirable.
• Deep knowledge of combinatorics or algorithmic complexity is desirable.
• Knowledge of techniques such as zero-knowledge proofs and oblivious transfer is desirable.
• Deep knowledge of cryptographic concepts, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, key exchange mechanisms, authentication mechanisms, PKI, and digital signatures.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of cryptographic concepts, algorithms and protocols (e.g., RSA, ECC, AES, SHA, etc.) and their practical applications. Including symmetric and asymmetric techniques, key exchange mechanisms and digital signatures.
• Familiarity with quantum-safe cryptography concepts
• Experience with cryptographic libraries (e.g., OpenSSL, libsodium, or similar) is desirable.
• Programming experience ideally in a language such as python, C C++ or Rust.
• Experience developing mathematical simulations in a language such as python, C, C++ or rust.

Analytical & Research Skills:

• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate and benchmark cryptographic protocols
• Apply cryptanalysis techniques to identify potential weaknesses.
• Strong research skills, with the ability to independently research and understand new concepts and,, with the ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world cryptographic challenges.
• Experience with formal verification or mathematical proof techniques is preferred.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, sharing research findings and helping to develop secure cryptographic solutions.
• Strong communication skills, capable of presenting complex cryptographic concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience or familiarity with NIST post-quantum cryptography standardization efforts.
• Experience or interest in working with regulatory bodies or contributing to standards compliance efforts.
• Experience in a commercial setting developing or implementing cryptographic methods.
• Experience with and knowledge of authentication protocols
• Experience or familiarity working in government and defence settings.

Location

Leeds/Hybrid. Eligibility to work in the UK is required

Compensation

We welcome applications from a range of experience levels from junior to more senior. Salary is reflective of experience, example bracket from £27k for junior, to £60k+ and beyond for expert experienced candidates. Comprehensive benefits package included.

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