Job Description

Established in 2009, is a market-leading provider of state of the art electoral management software, support services and training to the UK Government and local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales - as well as managed referendums and ballot services to public, private and community organisations.

Democracy Counts has partnered with Edinburgh University provide trusted end-to-end verification for citizens and candidates in the electoral registration process which will lead to trusted and transparent elections.

We\xe2\x80\x99re looking for a KTP Associate, funded by Innovate UK and Democracy counts, who will have the opportunity to expand their research through publishing research papers and patients. You will be able to present your results to key stakeholders and build your network through interacting with business partners.

At Edinburgh Napier University, we believe in nurturing talent and creating knowledge that shapes communities all around the world. Our innovative research provides solutions to society\'s challenges, our graduates leave ready for the workplace, and we have wide-ranging links with employers and business.

The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment have over 200 academics, 3,100 campus-based students, and deliver programmes with professional accreditations from the British Computer Society, Institution of Engineering and Technology, The Chartered Institute of Building and other accreditation bodies. We have excellent computing, engineering, and construction lab facilities. The school is embarking on a major development in the area of Industry 4.0, bringing together computer science, engineering, mathematics, and construction technology. The School has one of the UK\'s largest computer science departments and it houses leading UK research centres in transport policy and sustainable construction. The School is based in the lively and exciting Merchiston area at the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland\'s inspiring capital.

The latest UK national research assessment, REF 2021, places our Computer Science research in the top-30 in the whole UK and 3rd best in Scotland (both in power ranking). In terms of research impact 100% of our work achieved the highest rating (4*), a performance achieved only by six other universities in the whole UK. According to the REF 2021 Edinburgh Napier University is the top ranking Scottish modern university for both research power and research impact.

The University\xe2\x80\x99s improved research power rating will now see our research funding increase as we take significant strides to grow our reputation as a research-focused institution as well as a teaching one. We are confident that we are well on our way to establishing ourselves as one of the UK\xe2\x80\x99s world-leading universities in research.

The Role

Based in our pioneering new research lab, the in Edinburgh, you will have to opportunity to expand and enhance your research in the cryptography research area.

Through the innovative project, the role holder will deliver greater electoral assurance through electronic voting software which utilises encryption and touch-screen technology -- a world-first combined solution. As well as supporting the delivery of free, fair and transparent assured elections, its innovative technology will solve the challenges associated with the perception of security, maintaining the integrity of elections and accessibility using technology, and the participation and engagement of under-represented groups, thereby offering greater opportunity for diversity, inclusion and equality.

Using your experience in implementing successful projects, you will have the opportunity to build new products and services through the implementation and evaluation of cryptography-based experiments. You will be able to showcase your results through reports and presentations to key external stakeholders.

As someone who has a passion for cryptography, you will carry out and develop code within the relevant areas of cryptography to contribute to the project and support the preparation of new grant proposals.

You will work and collaborate with experienced researchers from the Blockpass ID Lab and business partners allowing you to develop your skills and experience and expand your networks.

For a comprehensive list of main duties and responsibilities, to view the full role profile.

What we need from you

Essential criteria

• Postgraduate qualification or honours degree in a Computer Science or Engineering area
• Experience of successful implementation of software projects, with a working knowledge of at least one programming language
• A passion for cryptography and a core interest in implementation within new products and services
• Good project management skills and strong levels of organisations
• Excellent communication skills and report writing

Desirable criteria

• Experience of development in a cybersecurity area
• Good knowledge of cryptography methods

What\xe2\x80\x99s in it for you?

Salary: \xc2\xa333,314 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer an attractive benefits package. This includes 4 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays and a generous pension scheme of 20.8%.

Additional Information

Application closing date: Wednesday 26th July@ 11:59pm

Interview date: TBC (August 1st week)

If you require any support or for any general queries, please contact .

Edinburgh Napier is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels proud, confident, challenged and supported and are holders of Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Diversity Champion status. Please for more information.

Edinburgh Napier University