PhD in secure multiparty computation in quantum networks

Aalborg Universitet (AAU); Aalborg; On-site; DKK 334,800 - 412,920; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg Universitet (AAU) invites applications for a PhD position in Secure Multiparty Computation in Quantum Networks. This role, set to begin on November 1, 2026, involves developing cryptographic protocols and collaborating with researchers across international centres.

Ideal candidates will hold a Master’s degree and possess backgrounds in quantum networks or cryptography. This position includes teaching responsibilities and an external research stay.

Qualifications

• A strong background in quantum networks or information is preferred.
• Familiarity with cryptography is beneficial.
• Ability to analyze and prove properties of abstract systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop new cryptographic network protocols based on quantum resources.
• Collaborate with researchers from Aalborg University and external centres.
• Engage in teaching tasks such as lecturing or project supervision.

Skills

Background in quantum networks

Cryptography related to multiparty computation

Solid mathematical skills

Ability to communicate in English

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Quantum network simulator (NetSquid, Q2NS)

Job description

PhD in Secure Multiparty Computation in Quantum Networks

As part of the Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications, one PhD stipend is available at the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The position will be tied to a work package related to multiparty computation in quantum networks.

The stipend is open for appointment from 1st November 2026 or soon thereafter. Duration of the position is three years.

Your Work Tasks

The successful candidate will contribute to developing new cryptographic network protocols based on quantum resources. A particular focus is given to secure multiparty computation protocols where participants are not restricted to classical hardware, but may have (potentially limited) access to quantum resources such as entanglement. The goal is to use this entanglement in combination with other properties of quantum information – e.g. the no-cloning principle – to provide improved privacy in distributed computation settings.

As part of the position, you will be expected to collaborate with researchers from the CLASSIQUE Centre of Excellence at Aalborg University and researchers affiliated with the Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications led by Simula UiB in Bergen, Norway.

During the PhD studies, you will also be expected to perform teaching tasks – e.g. lecturing or project supervision – at the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Your Competencies

Based on the research tasks tied to the position, we seek a candidate who has either a strong background in quantum networks or quantum information in general, or a strong background in cryptography related to multiparty computation. Familiarity with both topics is a definite benefit, but not a strict requirement.

The position requires a solid mathematical skill set and the ability to formally analyse and prove properties of abstract systems and structures. The majority of the work will be theoretical, but for certain problems it may be relevant to set up simulations in a quantum network simulator such as NetSquid or Q2NS.

The position is affiliated with two research centres. We expect the candidate to be creative, open‑minded, and willing to engage in collaborations with both junior and senior researchers within the two centres.

The candidate should be able to communicate clearly in both written and spoken English. As part of the position, you are expected to participate in workshops and conferences to present your results to fellow researchers and build up an international network. Furthermore, you should be willing to complete a stay abroad once during the PhD studies in order to strengthen your profile as a researcher.

Qualification Requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master’s degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3–6 months at a foreign research institution.

Host

The PhD position will be hosted at the Department of Mathematical Sciences under the supervision of Associate Professor René Bødker Christensen and Assistant Professor Jaron Skovsted Gundersen.

CLASSIQUE is a cross‑departmental Centre of Excellence bringing together researchers from electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, and computer science. The centre is devoted to problems in the intersection of classical and quantum networks, aiming to provide the classical foundation of future quantum networks.

Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA) is a Norwegian research centre with partners in Scandinavia and Japan. Its goal is to design secure and reliable quantum communication protocols and explore applications of quantum resources in a network setting. Among the research topics are quantum cryptographic algorithms and quantum error‑correction.

Deadline

13‑09‑2026

Reference Number

2026/844

Department

Department of Mathematical Sciences