Professional Officer in Quantum-Safe Communications & Cybersecurity

Job Purpose

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore's first University of Applied Learning, offering industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society.

The university's unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. Targeted to be ready in 2024, SIT's centralised campus within the larger Punggol Digital District will feature a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry will be tightly integrated with the community.

SIT espouses an applied learning approach and offers degrees with a strong focus on science and technology. Our faculty work closely with industry on translational research and innovation, as well as provide consultancy on solutions to industry challenges. This well-established nexus with industry endows our graduates with deep skills and work-ready training experience – attuning them to the needs and demands of the future economy.

SIT is also establishing strategic live test beds known as ‘Living Labs’ both within and beyond its Punggol campus to support greater experiential learning and strengthen its applied research offerings. The university’s pool of experts works with multi-disciplinary teams to drive the horizontal technology enablers required to support SIT’s strategic translational research.

The Professional Officers Division (POD) at SIT comprises experienced practitioners and applied researchers who bridge academia and industry. Professional Officers play a critical role in supporting teaching, applied research, laboratory operations, and industry engagement – bringing real-world expertise into SIT’s learning environment and contributing to the university’s applied research mission.

SIT is expanding its quantum-safe communications capabilities, building a team with deep technical expertise in quantum security and cryptographic systems. The Professional Officer in Quantum-Safe Communications & Cybersecurity will contribute to SIT’s mission as a Quantum Hub at Punggol Digital District, supporting the National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) and working closely with government agencies and industry partners. Focus areas include:

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) – algorithm design, implementation, and migration
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) – system integration, deployment, and network operations
• Hybrid PQC-QKD secure network architectures
• Crypto-agility and cryptographic inventory management
• Quantum-safe standards, testing, and certification (ETSI, ITU-T, NIST)
• Cybersecurity systems engineering for critical infrastructure

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver laboratory sessions and practice-based modules in Quantum-Safe Communications, Post-Quantum Cryptography, and related areas.
• Lead or co-lead applied research and industry collaboration projects on quantum-safe network deployment, PQC migration, and QKD system integration.
• Support companies in conducting cryptographic inventories to identify vulnerabilities and define migration roadmaps towards quantum-safe solutions (crypto-agility).
• Operate, maintain, and develop SIT’s quantum-safe network testbed infrastructure, including QKD hardware, key management systems (KMS), and hybrid PQC-QKD setups.
• Conduct hands-on testing, validation, and benchmarking of PQC algorithms and QKD systems against relevant standards (NIST FIPS 203/204/205, ETSI GS QKD, ITU-T).
• Secure and manage research grants to support applied research in quantum-safe communications and cybersecurity.
• Supervise and mentor students in applied research projects, Capstone Projects, and the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP).
• Contribute to the development of CET/PET course content and learning resources in quantum-safe communications and cybersecurity.
• Engage with Singapore’s quantum ecosystem (NQO, IMDA, CSA, NQSN) and industry partners on standards, interoperability, and applied research.

Job Requirements

Essential

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Cybersecurity, Quantum Information, or a closely related field.
• Strong expertise in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), with demonstrated experience in algorithm design and/or implementation (e.g., ML-KEM/CRYSTALS-Kyber, ML-DSA/CRYSTALS-Dilithium, SLH-DSA/SPHINCS+, FALCON).
• Solid understanding of QKD principles, protocols, and systems (e.g., BB84, E91, CV-QKD), including system-level and operational knowledge.
• Understanding of classical cryptographic primitives and protocols (symmetric/asymmetric encryption, TLS, IPsec, PKI).
• Familiarity with quantum-safe standards and frameworks: NIST PQC (FIPS 203/204/205), ETSI GS QKD, ITU-T X.1702, ISO/IEC.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, or Java; familiarity with cryptographic libraries (liboqs, OpenSSL PQC, BouncyCastle).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and hands-on experimental skills.

Experience

• Industry experience is strongly preferred — candidates from cybersecurity firms, telecom operators, quantum companies, government agencies, or applied R&D labs are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Postdoctoral researchers with strong industry collaboration components (e.g., industry-funded projects, testbed deployments, or technology transfer) will also be considered.
• Fresh PhD graduates with strong applied research outcomes (deployments, industry pilots, standards contributions) may be considered.

Preferred / Advantageous

• Experience with crypto-agility frameworks and cryptographic inventory management — supporting organisations in identifying cryptographic weaknesses and planning PQC migration.
• Hands-on experience with QKD network deployment, key management systems (KMS), and hybrid PQC-QKD integration.
• Familiarity with quantum-safe network testbeds (e.g., NQSN, NQSN+, EuroQCI, or equivalent).
• Experience with cybersecurity systems engineering for critical infrastructure (finance, telecom, government, energy).