Researcher in Quantum-Enabled Security

Job Description

Researcher in Quantum-Enabled Security & Digital Forensics

PASIPHAE Research & Development Laboratory – Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU)

Location:
Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Contract:
Full-time Researcher (R2–R3 depending on experience)

Eligibility:
Only EU citizens are eligible to apply

Domains:
Quantum Technologies, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Advanced Networks, AI-Driven Security

About PASIPHAE

Lab is HMU's leading laboratory in cybersecurity, quantum-safe communications, advanced networking, digital forensics, and security engineering. The Lab participates extensively in Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, ECCC, and EDA programmes, collaborating with top-tier academic, industrial, and public-sector partners across Europe. Our mission is to design
secure, resilient, and trustworthy systems
that combine emerging quantum technologies with advanced cybersecurity and forensic intelligence.

Role Overview

PASIPHAE invites applications for a
Researcher in Quantum-Enabled Security & Digital Forensics
. This position is ideal for a highly motivated researcher with strong foundations in cybersecurity, cryptography, quantum technologies, or forensic analysis. The researcher will contribute to the design, implementation, and validation of
secure architectures, cryptographic mechanisms, forensic pipelines, and quantum-resilient infrastructures
across distributed systems and next-generation networks.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Innovation

• Conduct research on quantum-resilient security models, advanced cryptographic schemes, and trusted execution environments.
• Investigate and prototype architectures combining classical cybersecurity with emerging quantum technologies.
• Develop methodologies for security monitoring, forensic evidence handling, and incident reconstruction in complex distributed systems.
• Contribute to security assessment, threat modelling, and automated validation frameworks.

Technical Development

• Build experimental prototypes, simulation models, or software modules for quantum-safe communications, secure middleware, or forensic frameworks.
• Contribute to cybersecurity tools, validation platforms, and digital-twin-based testing environments.
• Support integration and testing within large-scale pilots and demonstrators.

Project Participation

• Contribute to EU-funded research projects (Horizon Europe, ECCC, Digital Europe, SNS JU, EDA).
• Prepare deliverables, technical documentation, and research reports.
• Assist in drafting proposals for future research and innovation actions.

Scientific Contribution

• Publish high-quality scientific results in international journals and conferences.
• Engage in standardisation and policy-related work where applicable.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and collaborative research activities across Europe.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree (Optional)
  in:
• Computer Science
• Electrical/Computer Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Quantum Technologies
• Digital Forensics or closely related fields
• Strong background in
  at least two
  of:
• Cryptography (classical, post-quantum, or quantum-resilient)
• Network & systems security
• Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) or secure middleware
• Digital forensics and evidence engineering
• Quantum communications or quantum information science
• Solid programming skills (Python, C/C++, Rust, Go, or equivalent).
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
• Proven ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments.

Eligibility:
Only EU citizens may apply for this position
, due to the nature of the research activities and project involvement.

Desired Skills

• Experience with 5G/6G testbeds, cloud/edge infrastructures, or security orchestration systems.
• Familiarity with post-quantum cryptography, QKD, or quantum simulation tools.
• Knowledge of EU cybersecurity regulations (NIS2, GDPR, CRA, AI Act).
• Previous involvement in Horizon Europe or similar R&I programmes.
• Strong publication record.

What We Offer

• A leading role in
  high-impact European cybersecurity and quantum technology projects
  .
• Opportunities for international collaboration and mobility.
• Access to advanced testbeds and specialised infrastructure.
• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and project frameworks.
• A dynamic research environment with opportunities for scientific leadership.