Junior Research Fellow in Quantum Security of Lattice-Based Cryptosystems, IIT Delhi
Job Description
IIT Delhi is hiring a Junior Research Fellow to work on the quantum security of lattice-based cryptosystems in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The post pays Rs 37,000 a month plus HRA and closes on 15 October 2026.
At a glance
- Post: Junior Research Fellow, 1 post
- Where: Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
- Pay: Rs 37,000 a month plus HRA at 27%
- Project runs to: 11 June 2028
- Advertisement: IITD/IRD/261/2026
- Apply by: 15 October 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
The project is Quantum Security of Lattice-based Cryptosystems (RP05054G_SN), with Prof. Rajendra Kumar as the principal investigator. Appointment is on a contract basis with consolidated pay, renewable yearly or up to the duration of the project, whichever is earlier.
The work
Lattice-based cryptography is the main foundation of post-quantum cryptography. The schemes chosen to replace RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography rest on lattice problems that are believed to be hard even for a quantum computer. This project studies how well that belief holds.
The work sits between algebra, quantum algorithms and cryptanalysis. If you want to understand why the new standards are supposed to be safe, and to test that claim, this is the kind of post where it happens.
Who can apply
- A first-class graduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, mathematics and computing, statistics or a related area, with a NET or GATE qualification
- Or a first-class postgraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, mathematics and computing or a related area, with NET or GATE
- Desirable: good knowledge of algebra, quantum computing and cryptography
- The NET or GATE requirement may be relaxed for candidates who graduated from a Centrally Funded Technical Institute with a CGPA above 8.000, which is 80% aggregate marks
Pay
Rs 37,000 a month plus HRA at 27%. Appointment is contractual and carries no right to extension, regularisation or a permanent post at the institute. If a retired or superannuated government employee is selected, the salary is fixed by prevailing IRD norms.
How to apply
Download Form No. IRD/REC-4 from the IIT Delhi IRD website. Fill it in completely, giving your educational qualifications with the percentage of marks or division, and details of your work experience. Email it to Prof. Rajendra Kumar at simpik.cstaff@iitd.ac.in, with advertisement number IITD/IRD/261/2026 on the subject line.
The last date for submitting completed applications by email is 15 October 2026 by 5:00 p.m..
IIT Delhi may set higher criteria to shortlist from among candidates who meet the advertised qualifications. Shortlisted names appear on ird.iitd.ac.in/shortlisted with the online interview details, and only shortlisted candidates are told. A 5% relaxation of marks may be granted to SC and ST candidates.
Browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in, or search our Find a supervisor page.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Official advertisement: ird.iitd.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Read up on lattice problems. Learning With Errors and the Shortest Vector Problem are where this work starts.
- Algebra is the named desirable. Say what you have studied and where you used it.
- If you are a CFTI graduate with a CGPA above 8.0, the GATE and NET requirement may be waived. State your CGPA clearly on the form.
- Put the advertisement number on the subject line. IITD/IRD/261/2026. The instruction is explicit and an email without it is easy to lose.
- Use Form IRD/REC-4. A CV on its own is not the application; the form is.
- Watch the shortlist page. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted, and names go up at ird.iitd.ac.in/shortlisted with the interview details.
About IIT Delhi IRD
The Industrial Research and Development unit at IIT Delhi handles the institute's sponsored and consultancy projects. Project posts like this one are funded by a specific project, are contractual, and are advertised separately from the institute's regular staff recruitment.
