Overview:

At FedWriters, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with top-tier researchers and government staff at NIST to advance the development of cryptographic standards that will impact global security. As a Scientist supporting NIST, you will play a key role in shaping new cryptographic techniques, such as accordion mode, while contributing to international standards and addressing potential vulnerabilities in cryptographic algorithms. Join a team where your expertise will directly influence the future of cryptography and data security on a global scale. FedWriters is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This full-time on-site position will work Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities:

Support the development of a new standard for a tweakable, wide encryption technique with flexible input length that can provide desirable functionality, including 1) storage encryption, 2) authenticated encryption with associated data, and 3) key wrapping:Support the ongoing development of a new tweakable wide encryption technique to supplement current NIST standards (i.e., NIST SP 800-38x series and FIPS 197) as follows:

Participate in regular meetings (in-person and virtual) with the Cipher Modes Project Team led by Government staff to advance the development effort The working group shall meet once every two weeks for approximately an hour over the course of the year

Recommend dispositions for any public comments that are received on the draft proposal of design requirements for an accordion mode

Support the revision of the published SP 800-38 series:Collaborate with NIST staff through the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to revise NIST SPs in the 800-38 series. The series is comprised of seven volumes labeled A - G. The Government anticipates two volumes will be revised during the contract period

Collaborate with NIST staff in the following tasks in connection with the revision of two (2) Each, SP 800-38x: 1) write an initial draft revision, 2) revise the initial draft in response to internal comments 3) prepare an announcement of the draft SP for a period of public comment, and 4) consider any public comments and revise the draft, as necessary, for final publication

Conduct an internal presentation to NIST staff on proposed revisions to the NIST SP 800-38x series

Conduct research to identify potential common pitfalls of cryptographic algorithms and their implementations on various platforms (software and hardware) and how these potential vulnerabilities can be mitigated with algorithm testingDevelop an initial research plan outlining specific research tasks to identify: 1) potential common pitfalls of NIST-approved or soon-to-be-approved cryptographic primitives, and 2) implementation techniques, tools and testing strategies that could address these flaws

Support NIST Representatives in International and Industry Standards such as ISO/IEC JTC1, X9F, IETF, and IEEEProvide support to NIST Representatives, through the NIST COR, in international and industry standards

Review, comment, and suggest modifications for at least 5 and no more than 10 draft standards

Provide comments following the deadline and format requirements of standards working groups and organizations

Support the editing of one contribution by generating text using required standards organization contribution format

Qualifications:

Masters degree, or equivalent, in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related field.

Must have 5+ years experience in cryptography research and have solid publications in international journals and conferences in the area of Cryptography, Security and Privacy.

Must be knowledgeable about the NIST SP 800-38: Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation series of publications.

Must be knowledgeable about the Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program (CAVP) and techniques to identify and address cryptographic software flaws.

Must be knowledgeable of the cryptographic work done in ISO/IEC JTC1 SC27 and X9F standards organizations

Masters degree, or equivalent, in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related field.

Must have 5+ years experience in cryptography research and have solid publications in international journals and conferences in the area of Cryptography, Security and Privacy.

Must be knowledgeable about the NIST SP 800-38: Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation series of publications.

Must be knowledgeable about the Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program (CAVP) and techniques to identify and address cryptographic software flaws.

Must be knowledgeable of the cryptographic work done in ISO/IEC JTC1 SC27 and X9F standards organizations

FedWriters is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Why Join Our Team:

At FedWriters, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. As part of our rapidly growing company, you'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Vacation Pay

Paid Time Off

  

Pay Range (Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors):

$ (phone number removed) - $ (phone number removed) /Yr.