Cryptography Research Scientist

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  

Position Overview

The Riverside Research Engineering and Support Solutions (ESS) directorate conducts Research and Development (R&D) of cyber-physical attacks against embedded systems. As a Cryptography Research Scientist you will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of research engineers and scientists on a range of microelectronics research projects.  You’ll work directly with a team of embedded system security research subject matter experts (SME) to find solutions to  a wide range of complex and difficult technical challenges that support National Security requirements. The position is in Beavercreek OH and requires a security clearance.  Remote work is not available for this position. Travel is not expected to exceed two to four times a year.  

Responsibilities

• Perform fundamental research and development (R&D) of modern and emerging cryptographic algorithms
• Assess state-of-the-art implementation attacks against cryptographic algorithms
• Analyze the use of mathematical functions (cryptography, random number generation (RNG), error code correction (ECC), etc.) in secure architectures, to identify vulnerabilities
• Document findings in technical reports and presentations
• Attend technical conferences to understand new attacks and protections
• Collaborate with Government customers to conducted R&D and present findings across a variety of DoD conferences and technical communities
• Plan and manage technical requirements and delivery for assigned projects
• Work with Program Manager and Principal Investigator to plan, lead, and execute technical resource application to project; manage and communicate deliverable status and timelines
• Contribute to proposals for new research in similar and/or related technology areas

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

 

Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical foundations and research experience in one or more of the following areas: Cryptography, Information Theory, Formal Methods / Formal Verification, Cryptanalysis

• Familiarity with the finalized NIST Post-Quantum Encryption Standards (CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs and FALCON) and other cryptographic algorithms (AES, RSA, ECC)
• Proficient in creating technical reports and presenting technical material to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience in solving open-ended research challenges
• Willing to work in a secure US Government facility
• Willing to travel 2-4 times per year
• Secret clearance required to start, but must be able obtain Top Secret security clearance and all required program access approvals
• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related technical area with 5 years relevant experience; or a master’s degree in related discipline and 3 years relevant experience in cryptography or embedded hardware security, or a PhD within a related discipline

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related technical area with 12 years experience; or a master’s degree in related academic field and 8 years experience, or a PhD within a related discipline with 5 years experience
• Publication history in cryptography or mathematics
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: Python, Rust, Java, C
• Experience building cryptographic algorithms in hardware and RTL implementations
• Proficiency in common zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, primitives and protocols
• Experience with VOLE-based ZK proofs, symmetric key ciphers, or fully homomorphic encryption
• Understanding of Side Channel Analysis, Reverse Engineering, Formal Methods, or other Hardware Security topics
• Experience using revision control software
• Active DoD Top Secret (TS) or equivalent US Government security clearance

Global Comp

$91,000 - $180,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

Salary : $91,000 - $180,000