PhD studentship: Attribute-Based Signatures for Privacy in V2X Authentication

Closing and starting dates: This is a “rolling advert” with a nominal closing date of 31 March 2017. Applications are welcome at any time and the timing of the selection process will be dependent on the applications received. The start date will vary depending on the successful candidate but must begin before October 2017.

Disclaimer: This position is funded by HM Government and is available only to UK citizens. Applications are welcome from UK citizens who are prepared to undergo security vetting conducted by respective UK authorities. The initial stage of vetting may last up to 3 months and needs to be accomplished successfully before the applicant can commence with their PhD studies and become eligible for the stipend.

Surrey Centre for Cyber Security (SCCS) at the University of Surrey invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position in Cryptography to work on a research project focusing on the design, analysis and development of cryptographic protocols for privacy-preserving authentication in vehicular communications. The project aims at enriching the functionality, security and privacy properties of Attribute-based Signature schemes, while taking into account the specific requirements and constraints imposed by V2X applications. The successful candidate will be working under supervision of Dr Mark Manulis (Principal Supervisor, http://www.manulis.eu) and Dr Thanassis Giannetsos (Co-Supervisor).

Successful applicants are expected to hold Bachelor degree or Master degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Mathematics or related discipline accomplished with at least 2:1 honours and have strong background knowledge and technical skills (incl. programming skills) in cryptography and/or information/cyber security. A related research-oriented BSc final year project or MSc dissertation will strengthen the profile of the candidate. We particularly welcome applications from ongoing students who are projected to fulfil the above criteria and complete their degree in 2017.

The appointed candidate will receive a tax-free PhD stipend of GBP 22,000 per year for 3.5 years of PhD studies within which the candidate is expected to submit their PhD thesis. This stipend is significantly higher than an average PhD stipend in the UK. Moreover, additional funding is available to support presentation of research results at international conferences and participation in PhD summer schools and other events.

For further details and an informal discussion please contact Dr Mark Manulis at [Email Address Removed] prior to submitting an application.

Applications should be submitted by email to [Email Address Removed] including a CV, names of two referees, and any available academic transcripts.

The University of Surrey is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and offers many opportunities to help researchers develop as independent researchers.