Job Description

HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.

In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," "Security," and "Business and Society" researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany.



In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is offering a

PhD position (f/m/x) - Cryptography and Privacy

The position is temporary and full-time. Starting date of the position is flexible, starting from 01/26.

We are looking for motivated PhD students interested in cryptography and privacy to join the research group of Prof. Anja Lehmann.

The research field entails the development and analysis of provably secure cryptographic protocols. We are particularly interested in applied protocols and constructions for concrete real-world problems, as well as in foundational as-pects underlying these protocols. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):


Privacy-preserving authentication Password-based cryptography, e.g., PAKEs Threshold cryptography Hardware-based cryptography Security analysis of real-world protocols Foundations of provable security




The work in cryptography typically requires to formally define the desired se-curity and privacy goals, and then rigorously prove the security of newly de-veloped constructions based on well-established mathematical assumptions. Thus, prospective students must bring the necessary skills to perform such formal studies:

Your skills & interests

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related area by the time of appointment Strong algorithmic or mathematical background and solid knowledge in the area of cryptography and IT security Fluency in English (written and spoken) High level of dedication and independence Willingness to mentor bachelor and master students




Implementing the developed protocols can be part of the research projects, but will not be a primary task.

PhD students are expected to publish and present results at top-tier interna-tional conferences, and complete their degree in 3-4 years. Depending on the position, students are also required to support teaching activities of the group.

What we offer

Collaborative work environment in a well-connected research group em-bedded in the Security cluster of HPI Outstanding setting to conduct top academic research with strong con-nections to industry Regular training opportunities; insight into scientific research Regular team events and workshops Numerous sports facilities (tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball court, calisthenics park, and participation in running events) Workplace on the HPI campus in Potsdam-Babelsberg (Griebnitzsee S-Bahn station), with fast transportation connections to Berlin




We look forward to your application including a CV, motivation letter and a list of attended Master courses and grades. The motivation letter should explain why you are interested in (i) a PhD, (ii) in cryptography, and (iii) our group. Application deadline is

03.10.2025

. Please apply exclusively via our career page.

Contact person HR-Recruiting

Tobias Pröchtel/ Nicola Mertens

+49 331 5509-425/ 428

Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH

Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3

14482 Potsdam