Ph.D. Studentship in Public-Key Cryptography/Computational Algebra

The School of Mathematical Sciences offers a Ph.D. Studentship on the project "Public-Key Cryptography Based on Finite Simple Semirings" funded by the Science Foundation Ireland. The project is concerned with the creation of new cryptographic primitives based on finite simple semirings. Our research involves techniques from different parts of algebra and discrete mathematics, such as the theory of finite rings and semirings, the theory of semigroups, and lattice theory. Interested candidates that have a strong background in Mathematics and Computer Science are encouraged to apply. A successful candidate will form an integral part of the research project.

The starting date is June 2010 or later, but no later than September 2010. Funding is secured till June 2013.

We offer:

• Ph.D. Studentship Stipend: around 18'000 Euro per annum. In addition, we pay fees and award a travel budget for conferences and workshops.
• a three year Ph.D. programme with a broad education to equip graduates for work in academia and industry
• an inspiring learning and research environment, located at the Claude Shannon Institute
• exchange and collaboration with a high-level international team of researches in discrete mathematics, coding and cryptography
• workshops and collaboration with industry

Prerequisites:

• an excellent Master's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science or a related area; students holding an excellent Bachelor's degree are also welcome in exceptional cases
• a strong background in Mathematics and Computer Science; a solid background in public-key cryptography, ring theory and/or combinatorics is an additional plus; programming skills are very welcome

Applications must include:

• a curriculum vitae
• copies of exam transcripts
• a short description of work done so far (e.g., Master's thesis or other research related experience) and research interests, including indication of the specific research area of interest and possibly first ideas for a thesis topic
• the name and contact address of at least one reference

Applicants are kindly requested to send their applications by email in PDF-format to Dr. Marcus Greferath (marcus.greferath@ucd.ie). Please use this email address with subject line [semiring:] also for further details and informal enquiries.

Closing date: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Dublin, May 14, 2010.

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