Cryptography Research Scientist

The Riverside Research Engineering and Support Solutions (ESS) directorate conducts Research and Development (R&D) of cyber-physical attacks against embedded systems. As a Cryptography Research Scientist you will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of research engineers and scientists on a range of microelectronics research projects. You'll work directly with a team of embedded system security research subject matter experts (SME) to find solutions to a wide range of complex and difficult technical challenges that support National Security requirements. The position is in Beavercreek OH and requires a security clearance. Remote work is not available for this position. Travel is not expected to exceed two to four times a year.

Perform fundamental research and development (R&D) of modern and emerging cryptographic algorithms
• Assess state-of-the-art implementation attacks against cryptographic algorithms
• Analyze the use of mathematical functions (cryptography, random number generation (RNG), error code correction (ECC), etc.) in secure architectures, to identify vulnerabilities
• Document findings in technical reports and presentations
• Attend technical conferences to understand new attacks and protections
• Collaborate with Government customers to conducted R&D and present findings across a variety of DoD conferences and technical communities
• Plan and manage technical requirements and delivery for assigned projects
• Work with Program Manager and Principal Investigator to plan, lead, and execute technical resource application to project; manage and communicate deliverable status and timelines
• Contribute to proposals for new research in similar and/or related technology areas

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical foundations and research experience in one or more of the following areas: Cryptography, Information Theory, Formal Methods / Formal Verification, Cryptanalysis

• Familiarity with the finalized NIST Post-Quantum Encryption Standards (CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs+ and FALCON) and other cryptographic algorithms (AES, RSA, ECC)
• Proficient in creating technical reports and presenting technical material to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience in solving open-ended research challenges
• Willing to work in a secure US Government facility
• Willing to travel 2-4 times per year
• Secret clearance required to start, but must be able obtain Top Secret security clearance and all required program access approvals
• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related technical area with 5 years relevant experience; or a master's degree in related discipline and 3 years relevant experience in cryptography or embedded hardware security, or a PhD within a related discipline

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related technical area with 12 years experience; or a master's degree in related academic field and 8 years experience, or a PhD within a related discipline with 5 years experience
• Publication history in cryptography or mathematics
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: Python, Rust, Java, C++
• Experience building cryptographic algorithms in hardware and RTL implementations
• Proficiency in common zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, primitives and protocols
• Experience with VOLE-based ZK proofs, symmetric key ciphers, or fully homomorphic encryption
• Understanding of Side Channel Analysis, Reverse Engineering, Formal Methods, or other Hardware Security topics
• Experience using revision control software
• Active DoD Top Secret (TS) or equivalent US Government security clearance