Working at the Center for Communications Research - Princeton

Our Mission

The Center for Communications Research in Princeton performs applied mathematical and computational research in cryptology and related disciplines.

Mathematics

CCR-P conducts mathematical research supporting the twin tasks facing cryptologists: cryptography and cryptanalysis. Mathematics remains the fundamental science used to create and analyze the complex algorithms used to encipher vulnerable communications. Virtually every branch of pure and applied mathematics has proved to be useful in these efforts. For example, techniques from the geometry of algebraic curves provide better methods for detecting and correcting errors in data transmission. Even where no explicit mathematics is involved, the mathematical mode of thinking seems to be ideally suited to cryptologic problems.

Speech and Signals

As the modes and means of modern communications become more complex, we have expanded our research into other areas including speech, the processing of signals to remove noise and distortion, and network security.

Summer Program in Mathematical Cryptology

Each summer, CCR-P runs an intensive ten-week summer conference on applied mathematical problems (SCAMP). The conference concentrates on a problem area in cryptology. Some 20-25 academic mathematicians are invited to join with our research staff for these conferences.

The visitors are a very strong group of research mathematicians ranging in age from undergraduates to emeritus professors. In recent years, we have made a particular effort to include some undergraduate and/or graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding talent.

Typically, we have a mix of new and returning participants, depending upon individual proclivity for and interest in the particular problem set. Those having an outstanding talent for our problems may also be invited to join our permanent research staff.

The format of the program is rather relaxed. The first two weeks are spent attending lectures where the problems are described, the remaining eight weeks permanent research and program participants spend working on whatever problem, or piece thereof, is of interest to them. Joint work is encouraged and informal bull sessions or lectures are used to present partial results or even half baked ideas which often stimulate better ideas.

Cryptology, as a field of applied mathematics, is remarkable for the range of abstract mathematics which finds striking application. As might be expected, algebra, number theory, combinatorics and statistics play a major role, but topology, algebraic geometry and harmonic analysis have been the source of unexpected and critical contributions. One has an extraordinary opportunity to see an abstract theory turned into an effective tool solving real problems. On the one hand, this provides a deep understanding of the theory and its ramifications; and on the other, provides the exhilaration of solving problems of immediate and substantial importance.

Requirements for employment

In addition to U.S. citizenship, a high level of security clearance is required for our work. IDA CCR-P is an equal opportunity employer.

For further information about CCR-P, contact:

                	David M. Goldschmidt, Director
             		Center for Communications Research
	                805 Bunn Drive
	                Princeton, New Jersey 08540

	                Email: David.Goldschmidt@idaccr.org

	                Telephone: (609) 924-4600