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
Job description
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 (ATM) communication systems.
Your responsibilities will include conducting security assessments of aviation communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) 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.
The 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.
Your PhD research will extend beyond this project. The research could include signal gathering and processing, simulations, and experiments with software-defined radios.
Job requirements
Required:
- MSc degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Knowledgve in cryptography, network security, or information security
- Knoweledge 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 built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
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. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely 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 us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.
You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Junzi Sun, via J.Sun-1@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
You can address your application to Dr. Junzi Sun.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- #EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named PostQat, with project number 101286435, within program HE.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the 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. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
