Research Assistant - VLSI Design-for-Trust (Kawader Path 1)

Job Title

Research Assistant - VLSI Design-for-Trust (Kawader Path 1)

Role Summary

Support a research project on hardware security and trust in integrated circuits, focused on design-for-trust techniques, evaluation, and mitigation of hardware attacks such as reverse engineering, overbuilding, IP piracy, and hardware Trojans.

Work with the Principal Investigator (Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering) to survey literature, design and implement protection techniques, and run simulations and experiments to assess security and cost trade-offs. Program details: NYUAD Kawader program.

Experience Level

Early-career / entry-level research position (suitable for recent graduates).

Responsibilities

Primary duties include research, design, and evaluation tasks related to VLSI design-for-trust.

• Conduct literature surveys on chip design flow and hardware security/trust solutions.
• Design and implement new design-for-trust techniques for ICs.
• Set up and run simulations and experiments to evaluate security, performance, and cost trade-offs.
• Analyze results, document findings, and contribute to technical reports and publications.
• Collaborate with the research team and faculty advisor on project tasks and timelines.

Requirements

Technical skills and experience required or preferred for successful performance in the role.

• Must-have: Good background in data structures and algorithms, digital logic design, and programming.
• Must-have: Experience with coding projects in C or C++.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with IC design flow and electronic design automation (EDA) tools.
• Nice-to-have: Background in VLSI design and CAD tools.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with simulation and experimental evaluation of hardware designs.
• Application materials requested: statement of interest, degree transcript(s), CV, and two letters of recommendation.

Education Requirements

At least a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Applicants are expected to provide transcripts of degree(s). (The posting targets recent graduates participating in the Kawader research-assistantship program.)

About the Company

Company: New York University

Headquarters: New York, NY, USA

A private research university based in New York City offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of disciplines, with significant research activity and global campuses and partnerships.