PhD Position Cybersecurity and Post-Quantum Cryptography Aviation Systems

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional PhD candidate to join the Post Qat project, addressing the emerging cryptographic challenge in aviation by exploring secure architectures, protocols, and implementation strategies for future air traffic management (ATM) communication systems.

The post-quantum secure communication and surveillance for air traffic management (Post Qat) establishes the foundation for embedding security, including post-quantum security, into the core of future aviation systems.

Your responsibilities will include conducting security assessments of aviation communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems, and analyzing quantum threats to ADS-B, CPDLC, ACARS, VHF communications, and satellite systems. You will design protocols for quantum‑resistant cryptography adapted for aviation applications. The research will also define service and functional requirements for post‑quantum secure air traffic management infrastructure.

The role will also involve addressing resource constraints of embedded avionics hardware and long‑lifecycle aviation equipment with other project partners, while developing open‑source reference implementations and protocol blueprints. You will collaborate with cybersecurity experts, aviation authorities, and industry partners, contributing to the European PQC transition roadmap for aviation.

Your PhD research will extend beyond this project. The research could include signal gathering and processing, simulations, and experiments with software‑defined radios.

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Knowledgve in cryptography, network security, or information security
• Knoweledge of communication protocols and security architectures
• Knowledge of aviation systems (CNS, ATM) or strong motivation to acquire this expertise
• Programming experience in Python, C/C++, or Rust
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams spanning cybersecurity and aviation
• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)

• Experience with cryptography
• Experience with software defined radios
• Background in embedded systems, IoT security, or resource‑constrained computing
• Contributions to open‑source security projects

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 to €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.