Cryptography Research Scientist, FHE & PQC

About the position

LG's Emerging Technology Lab (ETL) is seeking a highly motivated Cryptography Research Engineer / Scientist to join our Advanced Security team. This role focuses on next-generation cryptographic technologies, primarily Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). It is designed for early-career researchers, typically with a PhD and 0-2 years of experience. The position involves research, optimization, implementation, and deployment of privacy-enhancing technologies for real-world applications. The ideal candidate will possess strong mathematical foundations in modern cryptography, practical software development skills, and a passion for translating advanced cryptographic concepts into functional systems and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) demonstrations. The role will tackle cutting-edge problems in encrypted computation, privacy-preserving AI/analytics, and quantum-safe cryptographic systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research and development in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and related privacy-enhancing technologies.

• Design, optimize, and implement FHE algorithms and pipelines for practical applications and deployment scenarios.

• Develop high-performance implementations for specialized use cases, including privacy-preserving AI/ML inference, secure analytics and recommendation systems, and confidential cloud computation.

• Develop and demonstrate Proof-of-Concept (PoC) systems showcasing practical FHE applications.

• Evaluate and integrate modern FHE frameworks and libraries such as OpenFHE, HEAAN/CKKS-based frameworks, TFHE, Microsoft SEAL, PALISADE, Concrete, or related technologies.

• Contribute to research and development efforts in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), including lattice-based cryptography and quantum-safe migration technologies.

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and product teams to transition research into deployable technologies.

• Track emerging developments in cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies, and quantum-safe security.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Cryptography, or a related field, with 0-2 years of relevant industry experience.

• Strong theoretical background in modern cryptography, particularly lattice-based cryptography and/or Fully Homomorphic Encryption.

• Hands-on experience implementing cryptographic algorithms and optimizing performance-critical systems.

• Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, CUDA, Rust, or similar.

• Familiarity with one or more FHE libraries/frameworks.

• Strong understanding of algorithm optimization, computational complexity, and memory-performance tradeoffs.

• Ability to independently drive research ideas into working prototypes and PoCs.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with GPU acceleration and high-performance computing for cryptographic workloads.

• Familiarity with CKKS, TFHE, BFV, or BGV schemes.

• Experience with encrypted machine learning or privacy-preserving AI systems.

• Knowledge of Post-Quantum Cryptography standards and NIST PQC algorithms (e.g., ML-KEM/Kyber, ML-DSA/Dilithium).

• Publications or open-source contributions in cryptography, security, or privacy-enhancing technologies.

• Experience working in research labs or advanced technology development environments.

Benefits

• No-cost employee premiums for you and your eligible dependents for competitive medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits.

• Auto enrollment with immediate vesting of competitive company matching contributions in a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with several investment options.

• Generous Paid Time Off program that includes company holidays and a combined bank of paid sick and vacation time.

• Performance based Short-Term Incentives (varies by role).

• Access to confidential mental health resources to help you and your loved ones improve your quality of life.

• Personal fitness goal incentives.

• Family orientated benefits such as paid parental leave and support for families raising children with learning, social, behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities.

• Group Rate Life and Disability Insurance.