Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Security, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
Minimum of ten years of professional experience in advanced cryptography research.
Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences in Cryptography, Security, and Privacy.
At least five years of experience with the federal Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Process.
Advanced knowledge of cryptographic algorithms and post-quantum technologies.
Proven ability to conduct independent research and communicate findings effectively.
Strong analytical, technical writing, and problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities
Conduct advanced cryptographic research for post-quantum algorithms.
Support standardization of the Hamming Quasi-Cyclic Code-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (HQC-KEM).
Research and evaluate post-quantum digital signature algorithms.
Develop technical recommendations for digital signature algorithms.
Collaborate with client personnel on cryptographic research and standardization activities.
Prepare technical reports and presentations documenting research findings.
Review and contribute to technical specifications and publications.
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge cryptographic research.
Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and government stakeholders.
Engagement in national standardization initiatives.
Access to advanced mathematical software platforms for research.
Participation in public meetings and conferences related to post-quantum cryptography.
Full Job Description
Job Purpose: The Senior Scientist/Engineer (Post-Quantum Cryptography) will support our client's advanced cryptographic research, cybersecurity standards development, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standardization initiatives.
This role will conduct advanced research and security analysis of cryptographic algorithms, support the development of federal cryptographic standards and technical publications, and contribute to the evaluation of digital signature schemes and statistical randomness testing methodologies.
Responsibilities:
Conduct advanced cryptographic research supporting the development, evaluation, and standardization of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.
Support the standardization of the Hamming Quasi-Cyclic Code-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (HQC-KEM), including security analysis, testing considerations, and technical documentation.
Research and evaluate post-quantum digital signature algorithms, including security assessments and comparisons with approved cryptographic schemes.
Support the development of technical recommendations and guidance for digital signature algorithms, including the review and analysis of existing standards and publications.
Participate in technical working groups and collaborate with client personnel on cryptographic research, algorithm evaluation, and standardization activities.
Conduct security research on emerging post-quantum cryptographic schemes and prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations documenting findings.
Review and contribute to technical specifications, research publications, and documentation supporting cryptographic standardization efforts.
Support the revision and evaluation of statistical test methodologies used to assess random and pseudorandom number generation.
Analyze statistical randomness testing procedures, identify technical inconsistencies, and recommend improvements to testing methodologies and associated documentation.
Review public comments on proposed cryptographic standards and technical publications, providing research-based recommendations and supporting rationale.
Provide technical assistance with mathematical software platforms used for cryptographic research and cryptanalysis experiments.
Support cryptographic experimentation, security testing, and analysis of algorithm performance and vulnerabilities.
Assist with the technical planning, review, and moderation of public meetings and conferences related to post-quantum cryptography.
Prepare technical research reports, internal presentations, and other project deliverables in accordance with established schedules.
Participate in recurring project meetings, provide technical updates, and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
Ensure technical documentation and deliverables meet applicable federal requirements, including Section 508 accessibility standards.
Perform other related technical research and project support activities as required.
Qualifications:
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Security, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related technical field.
Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in advanced cryptography research.
Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings in Cryptography, Security, and Privacy.
Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience and technical knowledge regarding the federal client's Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Process.
Advanced knowledge of cryptographic algorithms, security analysis, and post-quantum cryptographic technologies.
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent technical research and communicate complex findings through research papers, reports, and presentations.
Strong analytical, mathematical, technical writing, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, technical specialists, and government stakeholders.
