1 Postdoc and 1 Ph.D student in zero-knowledge (University of Tartu, Estonia).

The zero-knowledge group (a subgroup of the cryptography group) at the Institute of Computer Science of the University of Tartu seeks one postdoctoral researcher and one Ph.D student in contemporary zk-SNARKs. The existing zero-knowledge group comprises Helger Lipmaa, Janno Siim, and Ph.D students. (We have more people working on cryptography.) Our current research interests include the provable security of zk-SNARKs (including more stringent security notions and more realistic cryptographic assumptions), the design of pairing-based, code-based, and lattice-based zk-SNARKs, and the design of zk-SNARKs for applications like zkVM and zkML. We collaborate actively with local groups on coding theory and machine learning to further our aims. While primarily focused on academic publishing, we are interested in collaborating with ZK companies.

The postdoctoral researcher should have a strong track record in areas related to the design and analysis of efficient zero-knowledge proofs. We expect the candidate to have published a few papers at IACR conferences or venues of equivalent renown. The Ph.D student must have an MSc or equivalent by this spring, a strong mathematics and/or theoretical computer science background, and an existing cryptography background. We welcome all exceptional candidates. We especially welcome candidates with a background in PQ zk-SNARKs (hash-based or lattice-based) or applications like zkML; in the case of the Ph.D student, we interpret it as a background either in coding theory, lattice-based cryptography, or machine learning.

For any inquiries or to apply for the positions, submit a letter of motivation (clearly stating why this project and the applicant are a good match), a full research CV, names of two references, and a research statement (obligatory for the postdoctoral researcher) to Prof Helger Lipmaa (firstname.lastname (at) ut.ee), clearly indicating the sought position (postdoc or Ph.D student).

The postdoc position starts on August 1, 2025, or later and lasts 2-4 years, depending on the candidate and negotiations. The Ph.D. position starts on September 1, 2025, and lasts four years. The candidates may later seek further employment, but this is not guaranteed in advance.

About Estonia. Estoniais part of Northern Europe but shares many similarities with German culture. It is part of the EU and NATO. The country is ranked high in the Press Freedom Index and the Democracy Index. Estonia is well-known to be an "IT-country", with early adoption of IT in the state level and many IT companies (including startups).

About Tartu. Tartu is a small university town. The University of Tartu is a research university with a strong computer science department. While the town is small, it is vibrant with student life.

About the department. The university and the department have many foreign faculty members and graduate students. The department is located in a modern building in the center of Tartu. We have strong research groups in many areas, starting with cryptography and coding theory and ending with machine learning and information systems.

Salaries. Our salaries are competitive compared to living costs and higher than those in Southern Europe in absolute terms. A postdoc will get around 2500 euros (depending on the qualifications) monthly after taxes. A quick calculation, based on a job call at IACR, shows that (a much more expensive country) gets around 2600 euros after taxes. A Ph.D. student will get around 1800 euros monthly after taxes. For comparison, the rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is less than 600 euros a month. In addition, we offer benefits like guaranteed travel money.

Contact: Helger Lipmaa (professor, head of chair)

University of Tartu

helger dot lipmaa at ut dot ee

Closing date (job): 2025-04-25