Stillingsbeskrivelse
Simula UiB (
https://simula-uib.com
) is a research institute in Cryptography and Information Theory located in Bergen, Norway. The Department of Cryptography is currently looking for two motivated candidates for postdoctoral researcher positions in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). The successful candidates will work on two different projects named PREMAL and SECSHARE, respectively, in Håvard Raddum’s team. The focus of the two projects and the profile for their ideal candidates are described as follows.
**PREMAL**
is a project focused on privacy-preserving machine learning using FHE. The project will investigate trade-offs between accuracy, time, and memory complexity when performing encrypted inference, and explore to what extent machine learning models can be simplified and made FHE-friendly while still being useful. The project will also investigate how to perform encrypted training and enhance the application of FHE to federated learning.
**SECSHARE**
is a project led by the Norwegian company Mobai and is dedicated to building a privacy-preserving system for authentication using biometrics. Simula UiB leads the work package on cryptography and is responsible for designing the cryptographic protocol for the authentication system. FHE will be a central part of the system, but multi-party computation (MPC) will also play a role. The postdoc hired on SECSHARE is not expected to work full-time on the project but will also have the opportunity to develop their own research agenda in FHE or, more broadly, in privacy-enhancing technology.
The positions are both for a three-year period. Simula UiB currently has 11 early-career researchers working on a range of research problems in cryptography and information theory. We can offer successful candidates a vibrant, stimulating, and inclusive working environment.
**Candidate Profiles**
We are looking for candidates with a PhD degree in Cryptography, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field to work on the two projects. The successful candidates will have a strong track record demonstrated by publications in high-impact journals and international conferences. A basic knowledge of FHE is required, and demonstrated experience with the practical application of FHE or cryptographic engineering is an advantage.
You must be highly motivated, demonstrate strong analytical skills, and you will be encouraged to nurture your own research passions.
We expect the candidate to possess strong communication and collaboration skills and be fluent in English, both in academic writing and speaking. Finally, the successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and be willing and able to contribute to Simula UiB’s working environment.
**Simula UiB offers:**
- Excellent opportunities for conducting high-quality research as part of a highly competent and motivated team of researchers.
- An informal, inclusive and international working environment.
- Support for travel and opportunities to build international networks.
- Modern office facilities, located at Marineholmen in the city centre of Bergen.
- A competitive salary; starting salary from NOK 595 000.
- Numerous employee benefits, including access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, an equipment budget, and a comprehensive travel/health insurance policy.
- Relocation assistance, including complimentary Norwegian language courses.
- Healthy wellness and work-life balance arrangements.
The Simula group appreciates diversity. We currently employ 180 individuals from 37 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal-opportunity employer and especially encourage women to apply.
The Simula webpage (
https://www.simula.no/about/simula-culture
) provides more in-depth information about Simula culture.
**Application**
Interested candidates should apply via the link, where they should provide:
- Cover letter, outlining the motivation for applying for this position and pursuing a PostDoc in FHE, research interests, experience and qualifications of relevance for the position. The cover letter should state whether you are a candidate for only one of the positions (PREMAL or SECSHARE) or whether you want to be considered for both.
- Curriculum Vitae, summarising educational background and relevant work experience.
- Academic transcripts for the undergraduate and master’s studies
- A copy of relevant research work that the candidate may have worked on (e.g., PhD thesis, academic articles).
- For candidates nearing the completion of their PhD degree, please clarify your completion plan and timeline.
- Contact information of two referees, including the PhD supervisor(s).
The application deadline is March 15th 2026. Applications will be screened continuously, and we may conclude recruitment as soon as we find the right candidate. The starting date is negotiable.
**Contact**
- For additional enquiries about these positions,
please contact Håvard Raddum (
haavardr@simula.no
)
- For administrative
enquiries about this position,
please contact
bergen@simula.no
