Cryptography Research Scientist

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. 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. Perform fundamental research and development (R&D) of modern and emerging cryptographic algorithmsAssess state-of-the-art implementation attacks against cryptographic algorithmsAnalyze the use of mathematical functions (cryptography, random number generation (RNG), error code correction (ECC), etc.) in secure architectures, to identify vulnerabilitiesDocument findings in technical reports and presentationsAttend technical conferences to understand new attacks and protectionsCollaborate with Government customers to conducted R&D and present findings across a variety of DoD conferences and technical communitiesPlan and manage technical requirements and delivery for assigned projectsWork with Program Manager and Principal Investigator to plan, lead, and execute technical resource application to project; manage and communicate deliverable status and timelinesContribute to proposals for new research in similar and/or related technology areasRequired Qualifications:Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical foundations and research experience in one or more of the following areas: Cryptography, Information Theory, Formal Methods / Formal Verification, CryptanalysisFamiliarity 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 audiencesExperience in solving open-ended research challengesWilling to work in a secure US Government facilityWilling to travel 2-4 times per yearSecret clearance required to start, but must be able obtain Top Secret security clearance and all required program access approvalsBachelor’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 disciplineDesired 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 experiencePublication history in cryptography or mathematicsProficiency in one or more of the following: Python, Rust, Java, C++Experience building cryptographic algorithms in hardware and RTL implementationsProficiency in common zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, primitives and protocolsExperience with VOLE-based ZK proofs, symmetric key ciphers, or fully homomorphic encryptionUnderstanding of Side Channel Analysis, Reverse Engineering, Formal Methods, or other Hardware Security topicsExperience using revision control softwareActive DoD Top Secret (TS) or equivalent US Government security clearance$91,000 - $180,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors. 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.

Created: 2025-10-04