Testing Zero Knowledge Proof Toolchains

About the Project

Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) toolchains provide the infrastructure to prove statements without revealing private information beyond their truth. They are used in security-critical systems such as blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and privacy-preserving applications. Because these toolchains handle sensitive logic and cryptography, their correctness and reliability are crucial.

A ZKP toolchain typically includes a domain-specific language (DSL), a compiler that turns code into arithmetic constraints, a cryptographic backend that generates and verifies proofs, and integration code for external systems such as smart contracts. Bugs in any of these stages can break soundness or cause invalid proofs to be accepted.

Several research efforts have introduced fuzzers and testing frameworks for ZKP systems. Examples include structure-aware fuzzers for constraint compilers, metamorphic testers for pipeline transformations, and property-based fuzzing for cryptographic primitives. However, these tools focus on isolated stages and do not cover the full pipeline from the high-level DSL down to proof verification. As a result, many end-to-end inconsistencies remain undetected.

This project proposes automated, end-to-end testing of ZKP toolchains using transpilation-based metamorphic testing. The key idea is to translate equivalent programs across different ZKP languages (such as Circom, Noir, and Gnark) and check that their compiled constraints, witnesses, and proofs remain consistent. The approach will combine differential testing, fuzzing, and symbolic reasoning to expose mismatches between toolchains and detect semantic or soundness bugs.

Expected outcomes include a unified testing framework for ZKP toolchains, a classification of pipeline-level bugs, and practical recommendations for building more robust proof systems. By providing systematic and automated checks across the full toolchain, this project aims to strengthen the trustworthiness of the software foundations behind modern privacy-preserving technologies.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This is a 3.5-year PhD. Excellent candidates will be nominated for competence-based funding.

At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.