Research assistant (postdoc) (m/f/d)

The research group "Secure Identity" led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Roth researches technical means to protect the security and privacy of individuals' information. This umbrella covers diverse research topics, including privacy enhancing technologies, privacy centric alternatives to existing tech platforms, the interplay of human-computer interfaces and security, and the theory and practice of systems security as a foundation. Owed to its small size, the research group offers a friendly working atmosphere and dedicated mentoring by the professor. The research focus is on quality rather than quantity. Researchers have latitude to develop their own research agenda. The workplace is located
in Berlin/Dahlem next to the Botanical Gardens with easy access to the center of Berlin via public transportation. Berlin itself is one of the most interesting and vibrant metropolitan cities
in Europe. It offers a high quality of life and it features multiple universities, a diverse ecosystem of tech cultures to immerse oneself in.

Job description:
The open position is meant to complete the research team already working on the "SiTel"
project, funded by the BMBF. The project's objective is to design and develop a VoIP
desktop phone that is trustworthy and secure. The phone's primary function is to offer
hacking-proof end-to-end encryption that is easy to use. The development encompasses the
hardware and software including the phone's enclosing, which offers unique control over user
experience. The base system builds on the Parallax Propeller Microprocessor whose
hardware description is available under an Open Source license. The entire system is meant
to become Open Source after the end of the project. Anticipated users of the phone are
journalists and their sources as well as other professional groups who routinely handle
privileged information. Usability research is meant to study how these groups interact with
and respond to such a phone in the context of workshops and experimental deployments.
The position is meant to be filled with an individual who is capable of and interested in the
following areas:

1. Design and study of tangible user interfaces in hardware and software
2. Design and study of easy-to-use mechanisms for cryptographic functions for resource constrained hardware
3. Rapid prototyping and development of software and electronics for user interaction concepts for embedded systems
4. Design and organization of user studies, including interviews and workshops
5. Publication of scientific articles

Requirements:
Master's degree in computer science, electronics or equivalent knowledge and skills, and a PhD in computer science

Desirable:
Ideal candidates have knowledge and expertise in the design, development and study of Human Computer Interaction with a focus on tangible user interfaces. Candidates ideally also bring experience in the development and testing of low-power electronics, for example, using breadboards, the design of PCBs, the implementation of on-system communications, for example, using I2C, SPI or RS-232.
Applicants shall be self-starters capable of driving a research project forwards towards completion. They shall have a strong interest in pursuing and publishing innovative research, while being "hands-on". They shall work well in a team. Working languages are English and German. Experience with publishing research results according to scientific standards is required. Please indicate your pronouns in your application.

For further information, please contact Anna Maria Hengst (anna.hengst@fu-berlin.de / +49
30 838 60526).
Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the
reference code, no later than February 3rd, 2025 in PDF format (preferably as one
document) to Anna Maria Hengst: anna.hengst@fu-berlin.de or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Mathematik und Informatik
Institut für Informatik
Secure Identity Research Group
Anna Maria Hengst
Takustr. 9
14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

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Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.