PhD Position Cybersecurity and Post-Quantum Cryptography for Aviation Systems

Pioneer the future of aviation cybersecurity by researching post-quantum cryptography for air traffic management. Protect critical aviation infrastructure against emerging quantum computing threats and help secure the Digital European Sky.

We are seeking an exceptional PhD candidate to join the PostQat project, addressing the emerging cryptographic challenge in aviation by exploring secure architectures, protocols, and implementation strategies for future air traffic management communication systems.

Your responsibilities will include conducting security assessments of aviation communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, and analyzing quantum threats to ADS-B, CPDLC, ACARS, VHF communications, and satellite systems. You will design protocols for quantum-resistant cryptography adapted for aviation applications. The research will also define service and functional requirements for post-quantum secure air traffic management infrastructure.

The role will also involve addressing resource constraints of embedded avionics hardware and long-lifecycle aviation equipment with other project partners, while developing open-source reference implementations and protocol blueprints. You will collaborate with cybersecurity experts, aviation authorities, and industry partners, contributing to the European PQC transition roadmap for aviation.

Your PhD research will extend beyond this project. The research could include signal gathering and processing, simulations, and experiments with software-defined radios.

Project

PostQat (Post-Quantum Secure Communication and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management) establishes the foundation for embedding security, including post-quantum security, into the core of future aviation systems. TU Delft leads the concept and system design work package, focusing on vulnerability assessment, use case definition, and security requirements engineering. This exploratory research aims to position Europe as a leader in ATM cybersecurity and enable safe integration of next-generation automation.

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named PostQat, within program HE.

Job requirements

Required:

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Knowledge in cryptography, network security, or information security
• Knowledge of communication protocols and security architectures
• Knowledge of aviation systems (CNS, ATM) or strong motivation to acquire this expertise
• Programming experience in Python, C/C++, or Rust
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams spanning cybersecurity and aviation
• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)

Preferred:

• Experience with cryptography
• Experience with software-defined radios
• Background in embedded systems, IoT security, or resource-constrained computing
• Contributions to open-source security projects

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research, and innovation to address challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health, and digital society.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join the faculty, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. The work extends beyond the lab into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract includes an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff, and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related, and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. This is done, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.