Research Officer, Applied Cryptography

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Waterloo, Montreal, Ottawa or Fredericton

Organizational Unit: Digital Technologies

Classification: RO

Tenure: Term

Duration: Until March 2028

Language Requirements: Various linguistic profile*

Note*: The intent of this staffing action is to fill one position in Waterloo, with a linguistic profile of English. Or, in Montreal, Ottawa or Fredericton, with a linguistic profile of Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB.

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the designated work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada's Best Employers

As Canada's leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada's future and the world.

At the NRC, you'll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You'll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you'll discover what's possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

We are looking for a Research Officer, Applied Cryptography to join our Cryptography and Quantum Computing team, and to support NRC's Digital Technologies Research Centre (NRC-DT). The Research Officer, Applied Cryptography would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Our Cryptography and Quantum Computing team conducts research on quantum/post-quantum cryptography, privacy-preserving computing, and quantum computing.

The primary responsibility of the researcher in this position is to support the goals of NRC and the activities of the Digital Technologies Research Centre in conducting research of international calibre in applied post-quantum cryptography and other related topics.

The researcher will work in a team environment with other researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. The researcher will be called on to participate in international evaluations or demonstrations of the team's applied technologies. Key responsibilities:

• Conduct cutting-edge research in applied post-quantum cryptography, collaborating with fellow researchers.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms and protocols.
• Lead the development of a post-quantum cryptography lab, fostering collaboration with industry, academia, and government stakeholders.
• Write and review project proposals; and lead projects to drive impactful research initiatives in post-quantum cryptography.

About the Digital Technologies Research Centre

We make digital technologies smarter and more intuitive for Canadians and Canadian businesses by exploring uses of data and information in innovative and meaningful ways to solve real problems.

Our focus is advanced analytics, computer vision, natural language processing and artificial intelligence technologies.

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Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

PhD in computer science, mathematics, engineering, with a specialization in cryptography, security, or privacy is required for this position.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

Candidates must have experience in at least 4 of the following criteria. Preference may be given to those who meet more than 4 criteria.

• Experience in the development, implementation, and cryptanalysis of algorithms and protocols in post-quantum cryptography (CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs+, Falcon) with practical experience in achieving cryptographic agility.
• Experience working within research and development teams, including multidisciplinary and collaborative teams.
• Experience programming in C/C++/Python.
• Experience in publishing in top conferences or journals such as ACM, Asiacrypt, Crypto, Eurocrypt, IEEE, PKI, PQC, RWPQC, USENIX.
• Experience with open-source software such as liboqs, Open Quantum Safe, OpenSSL.
• Experience participating or contributing to standard bodies such as NIST, ISO, and IETF.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

Waterloo: English

Montreal, Ottawa or Fredericton: Bilingual imperative BBB/BBB

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of modern cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and applications.
• Ability to develop, analyze, and implement cryptographic algorithms.
• Ability to write high-quality research papers and develop strong project proposals.

Behavioural competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Initiative (Level 1)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 1)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 1)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AsRO to AcRO group and levels with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate's expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent who meets the language requirements (BBB/BBB) will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• The candidates are required to answer screening questions as part of the application process.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.-

Telephone:

Closing Date: 18 January :59 Eastern Time

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