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: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202409386

Your Tasks

• Defining security. You define security requirements for physical one-way functions
• Security analysis. You test non-invertibility using machine learning attacks
• Protocol design. You conceptualize a proof of physical work protocol and design attack strategies against it
• Blockchain simulation. You simulate a blockchain network based on this protocol and analyze its security
• Scientific communication. You publish your results and present them at conferences
• Teaching. You contribute to teaching activities at the institute

• You have obtained a Master’s degree in Computer Science, preferably with a focus on cryptography and are highly proficient in spoken and written English
• You have strong interest in theoretical cryptography as well as technical aspects, machine learning, and simulation
• You show initiative, motivation, creativity, and strong communication skills
• You’re willing to travel internationally, cooperate with partners, and present your work at conferences