Researcher in Cyberdefence (M/F/X): Project "ECSI"

CONTEXT

In the framework of the study ECSI (Evaluation of Cryptographic Software Implementation), we are looking for a full-time researcher in Cyberdefence with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity / in computer science, or equivalent.

The Royal Military Academy is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defence department or external sources.

PROJECT

You conduct scientific research at university level on a project entitled ECSI, in the broader context of our Cryptographic projects. We propose to study and execute validation procedures for the implementation of cryptographic software.

Multiple techniques and tools are available to evaluate the quality of software, including: unit testing, functional testing, performance testing, maintainability and readability, dependencies testing, code quality heuristics… However, most of them focus on general purpose software. Then, we propose to study how they can be applied to the special case of cryptographic software, regarding special needs in terms of security and mathematical complexity.

MAIN TASKS

• Improve existing evaluation techniques or define new evaluation techniques for the special case of cryptographic software implementation.
• Apply techniques in the context of existing cryptographic projects.
• Build-up the expertise of Cylab in the domain of software evaluation.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Degree(s) required / ideal degree(s): Master degree in Cybersecurity / in computer science, or equivalent. This position is open for junior profiles (ideally 0-3 years of experience). However, young graduates and experienced profiles (ideally 3 years of experience minimum) are also encouraged to apply.

“MUST HAVE” skills:

• Knowledge/Experience in cryptography (Encryption algorithms, cryptographic protocols, key management, cryptanalysis, etc.).
• Knowledge/Experience in programming, knowledge of coding language(s) (python, ..).
• Communication abilities, in oral and written form.
• English proficiency, sufficient for writing reports and publications, as well as participating in conferences.

“NICE TO HAVE” skills:

• Training or experience in Cybersecurity.

Personal skills:

• You can develop software autonomously.
• You can conduct scientific research at a university level by searching existing literature, analyzing existing solutions in a critical way and proposing new ideas.
• You can communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
• You can work in a team and focus on its objectives.
• You are honest, loyal toward the institution and respect confidentiality.

Other skills:

• Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defence.
• Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is both part of NATO and the EU will be eligible.
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

APPLICATION

Please send by email a CV to Mrs Arbia RIAHI (arbia.riahi@mil.be ) and to erm-deao-rswo@mil.be

Please mention clearly the reference of the project in your email: “ECSI” and please also precise your nationality.

Application deadline: 28 September 2025.

The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: ASAP, in consultation with the applicant.
• Status: Full-time employment based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).
• Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed for 4 years. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.
• Wage scale: class A1 (holder of a Master’s degree in Science or equivalent), class A2 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master’s in Engineering Sciences, doctor’s degree in the same area of expertise). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
• Holiday pay.

WORKPLACE

Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels. Occasional travels abroad for scientific conferences, etc.

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