Jobs in Belgium

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425 and grows within the Catholic tradition.

The Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography group (COSIC) belongs to the Department of Electrical Engineering-ESAT within the Group Science Engineering and Technology of KU Leuven. It was founded in 1978 and has about 100 members who perform fundamental, applied and contract research in cryptology and information security. Because of the extended expertise in discrete mathematics, cryptology, hard- and software implementations and network and computer systems, the group adopts an integrated approach to problem solving, leading to important successes. Through a long history of participation in national and European projects, COSIC gained thorough experience in privacy‑enhancing technologies, identity management systems and distributed ledgers. COSIC is now looking for a Research Expert in order to respond to the need for applied cryptography, in particular cryptographic protocols focusing on zero‑knowledge, threshold systems and verifiable computation. You will work closely with the professors, researchers and administrative support and will coordinate with KU Leuven Research and Development (LRD).

• You will contribute to the strategic research plan of the research group COSIC and its translation into operational goals.
• You will perform fundamental and applied research in the area of cryptographic protocols for zero‑knowledge, threshold systems and verifiable computation.
• You are responsible for supervising researchers and are able to create an excellent working atmosphere and stimulate creativity.
• You will acquire a solid expertise in national and international research programs and will closely follow calls for proposals.
• You will discuss the management, administrative and technical aspects of projects with funding organizations and project partners.
• You are responsible for the reporting of the progress and the results of projects.
• You contribute to the acquisition and management of new financial resources.
• You actively seek collaboration with industry and academia through collaborative projects.
• You develop and maintain a multidisciplinary and international network.

• You have a PhD or equivalent research expertise in applied cryptography with a strong publication track record.
• You have experience with project management and coaching of young researchers.
• You have high‑level research experience in applied cryptology, with a focus on zero‑knowledge, threshold systems and verifiable computation.
• You have more than 5 years of experience after your PhD.
• You are creative and enthusiastic, you have a strong commitment to research and valorisation.

We offer a permanent position as research expert in a stimulating, interdisciplinary scientific environment, as part of a leading international and dynamic research team.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Bart Preneel, tel.: +32 16 32 11 48, mail: bart.preneel@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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2025-11-17 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
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