Research Scientist - Embedded & Quantum Security

About the role

The Centre of Hardware Assurance (CHA) at NTU is the National Centre of Excellence for Hardware Assurance, offering analysis from non-invasive to invasive techniques for vulnerability assessment, forensics and certification of hardware devices and components. It has three research groups: Hardware Analysis, Circuit Analysis and Physical Analysis & Cryptographic Engineering (PACE). This position is within the PACE team, which advances side-channel and fault analysis techniques for hardware security. The role secures embedded systems against classical attacks and emerging quantum threats, evaluating and implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate embedded microcontrollers and implementations of standardized cryptography algorithms, including the move from classical to quantum-resistant standards.
• Develop and test research methods for non-invasive and semi-invasive hardware security, focusing on integrating PQC and QKD in embedded and IoT ecosystems.
• Design and run experimental frameworks for device setup and testing, analysing data to assess hybrid quantum-security architectures.
• Provide technical evaluations and recommendations to internal and external collaborators on the security of next-generation silicon and hardware IP.
• Manage project deliverables through technical reports and documentation compliant with international research standards and security frameworks.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at top-tier international academic conferences.
• Contribute to the project roadmap by identifying emerging threats in hardware forensics and developing mitigation strategies.

Required profile

• PhD or Masters in Electrical, Electronic or Computer Engineering with at least 6-8 years of relevant research experience or equivalent.
• Prior experience with embedded systems.
• Prior experience coding and evaluating cryptography algorithms, specifically PQC or QKD.
• Affinity for standard laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes and microcontrollers.
• Good writing skills for proposals, reports and academic publications.
• Creative, curious, self-motivated, team player with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Required skills

• Coding background in C, Java, Assembly, Python or VHDL for analysis.
• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.