Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Privacy-Preserving Cryptography
Job No.: 701117
Location: Clayton campus
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: 2-year fixed-term appointment
Remuneration: $86,195 - $116,981 pa Level A (plus 17% employer superannuation)
- Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
- Join our inclusive, collaborative community
- Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them
The Opportunity
MathQuEST Postdoctoral Researcher on post-quantum cryptography
This Postdoctoral position at Monash University is to undertake research on post-quantum cryptography as part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Mathematics for Quantum Era Security & Trust (MathQuEST), under the guidance of Professor Ron Steinfeld in collaboration with Chief Investigators across the Centre.
MathQuEST is an Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence led by Professor Nalini Joshi. Funded over seven years, the Centre brings nine collaborating Australian universities: The University of Sydney, Adelaide University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, University of Technology Sydney, University of Western Australia, and University of Wollongong. The Centre’s partner network comprises world-leading companies, universities, government, and professional bodies across 10 countries. A full list of partners is available on our website: https://mathquest.org.au/.
The MathQuEST vision is to undertake transformational interdisciplinary research founded on mathematics that will underpin new algorithms to protect our future, empower discovery, and increase trust in an age that will be shaped by quantum computers. Its core mission is to do so by creating a high-quality, inclusive and collaborative research culture to grow a mathematically trained, technologically agile workforce that will support Australia’s sovereign capability. All members of the Centre will have the opportunity to develop communication skills, participate in outreach, and receive mentoring and training to engage with society and industry at all levels. The Centre will be grounded in a culture of inclusion, diversity, and engagement of talented people at all levels, to cultivate discovery. MathQuEST supports a flexible, family-friendly working environment. Subject to visa restrictions, this opportunity is available as either a full-time or part-time position.
This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, based at Monash University in Melbourne, is for two (2) years and is aimed at driving cutting-edge research in post-quantum cryptography, specifically focussing on designing privacy-preserving cryptographic protocols using lattice-based cryptography. This role offers a unique opportunity to publish impactful research and develop practical tools for high-value real-world applications, including blockchain and secure messaging systems.
For more information on how to apply for this position (and others within the Centre), go to http://mathquest.edu.au and follow the links.
Why Join Us?
- High-Impact Focus: Work on frontier topics in applied cryptography, including public-key encryption, zero-knowledge proofs, commitment schemes, and privacy-enhancing technologies.
- World-Class Supervision: Collaborate closely with renowned cryptography expert Professor Ron Steinfeld within a collegiate, research-intensive environment.
- Global Publishing Platform: Target top-tier international cryptography and security venues (e.g., CRYPTO, EUROCRYPT, ASIACRYPT, ACM CCS, USENIX Security, IEEE S&P, NDSS).
- Vibrant Location: Based at Monash’s flagship Clayton campus in Melbourne, consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality research independently and collaboratively under limited supervision.
- Design, implement, and analyse advanced lattice-based cryptographic protocols and privacy tools.
- Publish research papers in top-tier international conferences and journals.
- Present research findings at major academic conferences and industry seminars.
- Provide occasional guidance and advice to postgraduate students in your field of expertise
About Monash University
At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something ground breaking – a place where great things happen.
We value difference and diversity. That’s why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.
Some 20,000 staff work for Monash around the world. We have 95,000 students, four Australian campuses, and campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia. We also have a major presence in India and China, and a significant centre and research foundation in Italy.
In our short history, we have skyrocketed through global university rankings and established ourselves consistently among the world's best tertiary institutions. We rank in the world’s top-50 universities in rankings including the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Together with our commitment to academic freedom, you will have access to quality research facilities, infrastructure, world-class teaching spaces, and international collaboration opportunities.
Learn more about Monash.
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Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.
To Apply
For instructions on how to apply, please refer to
'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria.
Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.
Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.
Enquiries: Professor Ron Steinfeld, Cybersecurity Group Lead, +61 3 9905 5225 or ron.steinfeld@monash.edu
Position Description: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Privacy-Preserving Cryptography
Applications Close: Sunday 10 January 2027, 11:55pm AEDT
Please submit your application as soon as possible for this fabulous opportunity to join Monash University. Interviews will be held as strong applicants are identified. Applications will close when the role has been filled.
Supporting a diverse workforce
