Simula UiB (https://simula-) is a research institute in Cryptography and Information Theory located in Bergen, Norway. The Department of Cryptography is currently looking for two motivated candidates for postdoctoral researcher positions in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). The successful candidates will work on two different projects named PREMAL and SECSHARE, respectively, in Håvard Raddum's team. The focus of the two projects and the profile for their ideal candidates are described as follows.
PREMAL is a project focused on privacy-preserving machine learning using FHE. The project will investigate trade-offs between accuracy, time, and memory complexity when performing encrypted inference, and explore to what extent machine learning models can be simplified and made FHE-friendly while still being useful. The project will also investigate how to perform encrypted training and enhance the application of FHE to federated learning.
SECSHARE is a project led by the Norwegian company Mobai and is dedicated to building a privacy-preserving system for authentication using biometrics. Simula UiB leads the work package on cryptography and is responsible for designing the cryptographic protocol for the authentication system. FHE will be a central part of the system, but multi-party computation (MPC) will also play a role. The postdoc hired on SECSHARE is not expected to work full-time on the project but will also have the opportunity to develop their own research agenda in FHE or, more broadly, in privacy-enhancing technology.
The positions are both for a three-year period. Simula UiB currently has 11 early-career researchers working on a range of research problems in cryptography and information theory. We can offer successful candidates a vibrant, stimulating, and inclusive working environment.
Candidate Profiles
We are looking for candidates with a PhD degree in Cryptography, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field to work on the two projects. The successful candidates will have a strong track record demonstrated by publications in high-impact journals and international conferences. A basic knowledge of FHE is required, and demonstrated experience with the practical application of FHE or cryptographic engineering is an advantage.
You must be highly motivated, demonstrate strong analytical skills, and you will be encouraged to nurture your own research passions. We expect the candidate to possess strong communication and collaboration skills and be fluent in English, both in academic writing and speaking. Finally, the successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and be willing and able to contribute to Simula UiB's working environment.
Simula UiB offers:
* Excellent opportunities for conducting high-quality research as part of a highly competent and motivated team of researchers.
* An informal, inclusive and international working environment.
* Support for travel and opportunities to build international networks.
* Modern office facilities, located at Marineholmen in the city centre of Bergen.
* A competitive salary; starting salary from NOK
* Numerous employee benefits, including access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, an equipment budget, and a comprehensive travel/health insurance policy.
* Relocation assistance, including complimentary Norwegian language courses.
* Healthy wellness and work-life balance arrangements.
The Simula group appreciates diversity. We currently employ 180 individuals from 37 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal-opportunity employer and especially encourage women to apply. The Simula webpage ) provides more in-depth information about Simula culture.
Application
Interested candidates should apply via the link, where they should provide:
* Cover letter, outlining the motivation for applying for this position and pursuing a PostDoc in FHE, research interests, experience and qualifications of relevance for the position. The cover letter should state whether you are a candidate for only one of the positions (PREMAL or SECSHARE) or whether you want to be considered for both.
* Curriculum Vitae, summarising educational background and relevant work experience.
* Academic transcripts for the undergraduate and master's studies
* A copy of relevant research work that the candidate may have worked on (e.g., PhD thesis, academic articles).
o For candidates nearing the completion of their PhD degree, please clarify your completion plan and timeline.
* Contact information of two referees, including the PhD supervisor(s).
The application deadline is March 15th 2026. Applications will be screened continuously, and we may conclude recruitment as soon as we find the right candidate. The starting date is negotiable.
Contact
For additional enquiries about these positions, please contact Håvard Raddum )
For administrative enquiries about this position, please contact
About Simula and Norway
Simula UiB AS is a research institute owned by Simula Research Laboratory AS and the University of Bergen (UiB). It collaborates closely with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in research and the education of master's and PhD students. One of its goals is to increase Norway's cybersecurity expertise through research and education in cryptography and information theory.
Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research laboratory that conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Simula's primary objective is to generate knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that hold genuine value for society. This is achieved through high-quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialisation. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. In 2025, a new evaluation ranked Simula the highest among all Norwegian research institutions in terms of impact and publication quality (p. 14 in the National EVALMIT rapport).
Norway is renowned for its stunning outdoor scenery, featuring breathtaking fjords, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, including social security and universal public healthcare.
Learn more about Norway: Official travel guide to Norway
Simula UiB uses Semac's background check in our recruitment process. Employment for this position will be made according to the Security Act and the Act relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who, by assessment of the application and any attachments, are considered to conflict with these will not qualify for this position. Candidates who may be eligible for a security clearance in Norway will be prioritised.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova), information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.