PhD Position ‘Identity Management for Mobile Devices’ @ TU/e

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven has a vacancy for a PhD Student Identity Management for Mobile Devices (1.0 fte) (V32.047) within the Eindhoven Institute for the Protection of Systems and Information (EiPSI). The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science provides undergraduate and MSc programs in Mathematics and in Computer Science. The department has research collaborations with other departments at the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) as well as with a large number of other universities and companies, both at home and abroad. The Department has approximately 350 employees and more than 700 students. The Eindhoven Institute for the Protection of Systems and Information (EiPSI) is a TU/e research institute covering the whole technical spectrum of information security and with special focus on methods and techniques to protect digital information against unintended effects and interference, and the study and design of more complex applications in which security goals like confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, reliability, and availability of data play a crucial role. EiPSI started its activities on Oct. 1, 2007. It combines the Coding Theory and Cryptology group in Mathematics with the newly established Security group in Computer Science. More information on EiPSI may be found at http://www.win.tue.nl/eipsi/. The PhD position is in the Security group, while the Cryptology group takes part in the supervision. This PhD project is part of a Sentinels funded cooperation of TU/e with Radboud University Nijmegen, TNO/ICT Groningen, TELIN (Telematica Institute) Enschede and Ericsson Research Rijen. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Mobile devices such as GSM phones, PDA's, RFID, offer a technological platform which can help solving the problems of ID management for the roaming user, as they can be employed as trusted control interface for applications using personal and privacy sensitive information. However, the implementation of identity management concepts on mobile devices with their typical restrictions and features is still a challenge. The aim of the project is to contribute to a solution to give the user full control over his mobile identity (i.e., the digital identity of an entity when using a mobile device), in a flexible and privacy-friendly manner, by relying on their mobile devices as identity proxy and identity agent. The concrete objective for the TU/e PhD project is the development of methods, protocols and tools for the management and handling of private identities and data which allow different degrees of privacy, accountability, and usability. An extensive project description is available on request. TASKS - carry out research within the project, in cooperation with the other parties involved; - report on the results in papers and conference contributions; - finishing a PhD thesis after four years; - a small contribution to the teaching activities of the Security group may be asked. REQUIREMENTS We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements: - a MSc in Computer Science, Mathematics or closely related field with above average results; - a research oriented attitude; - interest in computer security and formal methods; - good communicative skills in English, both written and oral. APPOINTMENT AND SALARY We offer: - a full-time temporary appointment for a period of 4 years; - a gross monthly salary of € 2,042 during the first year, increasing gradually to € 2,612 per month during the fourth year of the appointment; - a broad package of fringe benefits (e.g. excellent technical infrastructure, child care, savings schemes, and excellent sports facilities). INFORMATION More information can be obtained from: - regarding the project content: dr. Benne de Weger, phone: +31 40 2472704, e-mail: b.m.m.d.weger@tue.nl; or dr. Nicola Zannone, phone: +31 40 2472646, e-mail: n.zannone@tue.nl; - regarding the job conditions: Mrs. P.J. Evers, HR advisor, email: pzwin@tue.nl APPLICATION Interested candidates are invited to send their application by e-mail to: pzwin@tue.nl The application should consist of the following parts: - a motivation letter; - a curriculum vitae; - copies of your diplomas together with the list of grades, and other relevant certificates; - names and addresses of two referees; - proof of English language skills (if applicable). Applications should be received by October 31st, 2009. Please include the job vacancy code: V32.047.