Summary
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is offering a PhD position focused on developing and applying formal methods to systematically describe and reason about the security of concurrent cryptographic protocols. This research aims to contribute to a more secure digital society by establishing robust principles for these complex systems.
PhD Position in Formal Methods for Concurrent Cryptographic Protocols at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
Designation
PhD Candidate
Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
| Department | Department of Computer Science |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Duration | Initially 18 months, extendable to 4 years |
| Salary | €3,059.00 (1st year) to €3,881.00 (4th year) gross per month (full-time) |
| Working Hours | 38 hours/week (full-time) |
| Start Date | 01 September 2026 (or as agreed) |
Research Area
The research focuses on formal methods for concurrent cryptographic protocols, aiming to develop systematic ways to describe these protocols and formally reason about their security properties.
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field.
- Experience with functional programming (e.g., Haskell) or proof assistants (e.g., Coq, Agda, Lean).
- Good communication skills in English.
- Optional but beneficial: Experience with cryptography, security, or concurrent programming.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, recognizing that not all requirements may be met by every candidate.
Scholarship Description
This PhD position involves carrying out research towards developing formal reasoning principles for concurrent cryptographic protocols. The successful candidate will also be expected to disseminate research results through conferences and research visits. Additionally, duties include light supervision of bachelor’s and/or master’s students and acting as a teaching assistant for courses (maximum two periods per year).
What VU Amsterdam Offers:
- A challenging position within a socially engaged organization.
- A competitive salary starting at €3,059.00 gross per month in the first year, increasing to €3,881.00 in the fourth year, based on a full-time appointment.
- An initial employment contract of 18 months, with the possibility of extension to a total of 4 years upon satisfactory progress.
- Attractive fringe benefits, including:
- 232 hours of holiday leave per year (for a 38-hour week).
- 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- A solid pension scheme (ABP).
- An optional model for designing a personalized benefits package.
- Contribution to commuting expenses.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application through the official VU Amsterdam application portal. Applications sent via email will not be considered.
Required Application Materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact information for two referees.
For questions regarding the vacancy, you may contact:
- Sabine Oechsner (Assistant Professor): s.oechsner@vu.nl
- Kristina Sojakova: k.sojakova@vu.nl
Last Date for Apply
30 October 2026
Apply Link
