About the Project
Quantum computers threaten much of the public-key cryptography currently used to secure digital communications, cloud services, financial transactions, and critical infrastructure. In response, governments and industry are investing heavily in the transition towards post-quantum cryptography, mainly quantum-safe digital signatures and encryption schemes. However, many advanced cryptographic technologies required by modern digital infrastructures still lack practical post-quantum solutions. This…
is particularly true for threshold cryptography, which distributes trust across multiple parties rather than relying on a single trusted authority
This PhD project will investigate the design, analysis, and implementation of new post-quantum threshold cryptographic schemes based on supersingular isogenies.
The candidate will develop new cryptographic techniques that remain secure against future quantum computers, establish rigorous security guarantees, and evaluate their practical performance through software implementation. Their research outputs may be relevant to the ongoing NIST Multi-Party Threshold Cryptography project (https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/threshold-cryptography).
Hosted within the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manchester, the project offers an opportunity to contribute to world-leading research in cryptography and cyber security. The student will join a vibrant and internationally connected research environment with expertise spanning post-quantum cryptography, digital trust, distributed systems, and cyber security. The project aligns with the University's commitment to delivering research with global impact and addressing major societal and technological challenges.
The student will receive advanced training in cryptography, secure distributed computation, cryptographic implementation, and scientific communication. They will benefit from collaborations with leading researchers across the United Kingdom and Europe. Opportunities for short research visits, participation in international conferences and workshops, and involvement in the organisation of scientific events will be provided. Teaching and mentoring activities are encouraged but are not mandatory; candidates who decide to contribute to teaching will be paid accordingly.
The University of Manchester is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive research culture in which all researchers can thrive and develop their full potential. The successful candidate will benefit from a flexible and collaborative working environment that supports both academic and professional development, including access to researcher development programmes, career mentoring, skills training, wellbeing support, and opportunities to build leadership, teaching, and communication experience. The project provides excellent preparation for careers in academia, industrial research, cyber security, and the wider technology sector.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD Mathematics, Computer Science, Cryptography, or a closely related discipline (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD Mathematics, Computer Science, Cryptography, or a closely related discipline (or international equivalent).
Preferred: An additional Students who have obtained a Masters degree in PhD Mathematics, Computer Science, Cryptography, or a closely related discipline.
Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills; prior knowledge of cryptography, algebra, number theory or programming (Python, C or Rust) would be advantageous.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.