Where do I send my application?

All applications should be made through the general CISPA application system.

IMPORTANT: In your cover letter, please indicate clearly that you are applying for a position in the group of Prof. Cremers.

Deadline

At the moment, we are in a selection process; there is no specific deadline, but if you want to have a chance of getting in, earlier is better.

What can I do to prepare?

Read some of our recent publications, and figure out which ones appeal most to you. When applying, indicate what appeals to you and how this interacts with your own research interests.

Of course, if you have questions, just contact me!

What are typical research topics in group?

Historically, our main research combines elements from information security, formal analysis, automated verification, and applied cryptography. Check our recent publications, but themes include:

  • Models and proof methodologies for security
  • Security protocol analysis tools: Scyther, Tamarin
  • Secure messaging (eg Signal, post-compromise security) and key exchange
  • Security protocol design
  • Security standards: ISO, TLS 1.3, 5G, and IETF standard under development for secure messaging MLS, worked on DP3T, ...

We very much welcome new angles and directions, and expect new researchers to bring in their own ideas.

What is life like to be a PhD or postdoc?

All positions are fully funded, i.e., you receive a salary.

My colleague Andreas Zeller wrote a great piece on what it is like to be a PhD student in Germany, including what a German PhD/Postdoc salary gives you in Saarbruecken (CISPA's location).

CISPA is a world leading research institute in Computer Security with many great researchers.

If I get offered and accept a position, when am I supposed to start?

The starting date is not fixed -- we just need to mutually agree.

What is the contract duration?

PhD. positions are intended to be four years, with a formal checkpoint after roughly one year.

Postdoc contracts are at least two years, with optional extension.

Why don't you apply to me instead?

Fair enough.

More questions?

Please do not hesitate to mail me and ask any questions!

Contact information

  • Prof. Dr. Cas Cremers
  • E-mail: cremers@cispa.de