International Association
for Cryptologic Research

The Foundational Cryptography group at IBM Research Zurich has an opening for a PhD position for research on cryptographic proof systems.

-Funded for 4 years
-Possibility of joint supervision at EPFL
-Ideal start date late 2026 or early 2027

Cryptographic proof systems allow a prover to convince a verifier that a computation was performed correctly. These systems have applications in secure cloud computing, verifiable machine learning, and privacy-preserving technologies.

However, many proof systems require the prover to use significantly more time and memory than the original computation. The research will develop new proof systems with reduced time and memory overheads, making it practical to verify the integrity of large-scale computations efficiently.

-MSc (or equivalent) in Computer Science or Mathematics (or another relevant field)

The ideal candidate would enjoy using a mixture of algebra, combinatorics, and probability to analyze and optimize algorithms. Strong background in one or more of the following areas is valuable:
-Cryptographic proof systems (zero-knowledge proofs, succinct arguments)
-Error-correcting codes and coding theory
-Streaming algorithms and memory-efficient computation
-Lightweight cryptography

IBM is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. You will join an open, multicultural research environment that values different perspectives and supports flexible working arrangements. Our goal is to help all genders and backgrounds thrive professionally while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.