Job description
The cryptocurrency Bitcoin operates without a central authority.
This is made possible by (digital) proof of work, which, however, comes with enormous energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Our project transfers this principle into the physical world: we are conducting research on physical one-way functions, reproducible physical processes that generate measurable outputs from input parameters, but for which solving the inverse problem is difficult.
Based on this, we are developing a proof of physical work protocol that has the potential to significantly reduce global CO₂ emissions.
As an interdisciplinary junior research group, we are opening up a new field of research at the interface of cryptography, engineering, and natural sciences.
The project runs for five years and is funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.
Further information can be found here:
Your Tasks
Defining security. You define security requirements for physical one-way functionsSecurity analysis. You test non-invertibility using machine learning attacksProtocol design. You conceptualize a proof of physical work protocol and design attack strategies against itBlockchain simulation. You simulate a blockchain network based on this protocol and analyze its securityScientific communication. You publish your results and present them at conferencesTeaching. You contribute to teaching activities at the instituteStarting date
1.
Februar 2026
Personal qualification
You have obtained a Master’s degree in Computer Science, preferably with a focus on cryptography and are highly proficient in spoken and written EnglishYou have strong interest in theoretical cryptography as well as technical aspects, machine learning, and simulationYou show initiative, motivation, creativity, and strong communication skillsYou’re willing to travel internationally, cooperate with partners, and present your work at conferences