Fachbereich Mathematik und Informatik – Institut für Informatik Secure Identity Research GroupResearch Assistant (Praedoc) (m/f/d) full-time job limited to 31.08.2025 Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L FU reference code: AGSI_2024.1_WiMi-SiTel Bewerbungsende: 19.02.2024

The research group “Secure Identity” led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Roth researches technical means to protect the security and privacy of individuals’ information. Within its research scope are privacy enhancing technologies, privacy centric alternatives to existing tech platforms, the interplay of human-computer interfaces and security, and the theory and practice of systems security as a foundation.

The workplace is located in Berlin/Dahlem next to the Botanical Gardens with easy access to the center of Berlin via public transportation. Berlin itself is one of the most interesting and vibrant metropolitan cities in Europe. It offers a high quality of life, multiple universities, and a vibrant diverse ecosystem of tech cultures to immerse oneself in.

Job Description:

The open position is meant to complete the research team already working on the “SiTel” project, funded by the BMBF. The project’s objective is to design and develop a VoIP desktop phone that is trustworthy and secure. The phone’s primary function is to offer hacking-proof end-to-end encryption that is easy to use. The development encompasses the hardware and software including the phone’s enclosing, which offers unique control over user experience. The base system builds on the Parallax Propeller Microprocessor whose hardware description is available under an Open Source license. The entire system is meant to become Open Source after the end of the project. Anticipated users of the phone are journalists and their sources as well as other professional groups who routinely handle privileged information. Usability research is meant to study how these groups interact with and respond to such a phone in the context of workshops and experimental deployments.

The position is meant to be filled with an individual who is capable of and interested in research and development in one or multiple of the following areas:

Secure embedded systems architecture and implementation

Cryptographic functions for resource constrained hardware

User interfaces in hardware and software

Assurance of embedded systems development

Simulation of hardware in software for development purposes

Voice over IP

Requirements:
Master’s degree in computer science or equivalent

Desirable:
Ideal candidates have knowledge and expertise in the development and testing of low-power electronics, for example, using breadboards, the design of PCBs, the implementation of on-system communications, for example, using I2C, SPI or RS-232.

Applicants shall be self-starters capable of driving a research project forwards towards completion. They shall have a strong interest in pursuing and publishing innovative research and working towards a Ph.D. while being “hands-on”. They shall work well in a team. Working languages are English and German.

For further information, please contact Frau Anna Maria Hengst ([email protected] / +49 30 838 60526).

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code, in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Frau Anna Maria Hengst: [email protected] or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin

Institut für Informatik

Secure Identity Research Group

Frau Anna Maria Hengst

Takustr. 9

14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

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