Key Skills

Job Description

Application deadline: 15 October 2026 Headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, Europol offers a purpose-driven career, as every role offers a profound sense of accomplishment through making a positive contribution to society. Europol’s mission is to support its Member States in preventing and combating all forms of serious international and organized crime, cybercrime and terrorism. We are committed to upholding the values of service, integrity, accountability, initiative, partnership, and diversity. As part of Europol, you will collaborate with diverse top-tier experts, forge international connections, be involved in the ongoing evolution of strategies, technologies, tools and methodologies that underpin European Security, and thrive in a supportive environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth. Currently Europol is looking for a Specialist – Forensic Examiner (Decryption), who will be responsible for decryption services, digital forensics and advanced programming in order to support Europol and its partners in the fight against cyber-dependant crime. He/she will be entrusted with the following tasks: Providing expert decryption and digital forensic services in the field of competence of Europol’s EC3 DSU Forensics Team, including on-site assistance when required; Operating Europol’s Decryption Platform, liaise with Europol ICT and DG JRC to ensure continuity of Decryption Platform operations; Acting as a liaison with EU MS, EU bodies, third countries, and international organisations on decryption and digital forensic matters; Supporting the projects of the Unit, such as organising meetings, training sessions and conferences; Representing Europol at high-level digital forensic and digital security events across Europe and internationally; Performing a technology foresight in the areas of decryption and digital forensics; Contributing to the development of new decryption, access to data and digital forensic methods, tools, and best practices; Independently drafting and finalising reports, briefings, and strategic documents; Key requirements and knowledge: Level of education as described in the vacancy notice on Europol's website; Experience in digital forensics and decryption; Experience in designing, maintaining and operating large scale GPU based clusters; Experience in development, deployment and use of workload distribution/parallel computing solutions; Experience in programming using Python (CUDA, OpenCL would be an advantage); Experience in development and use of automation solutions for digital forensics and wordlist building techniques. Knowledge of baseline digital forensic investigation and examination techniques; Knowledge of applied cryptography fundamentals - encryption algorithms, key derivation functions etc.; In depth knowledge of hashcat usage and it's modes of operation; Intermediate programming skills in Python. Experience in development of decryption software (plugins for hashcat, JtR) (desirable) Experience in Natural Language Processing (wordlist building) techniques (desirable) Experience in engaging with subject matter expert groups, management of such groups and networking (desirable); Indicative salary: The basic monthly salary is 6.961,29 (step 1) or EUR 7.253,84 (step 2). The indicative net salary of AD6 step 1 for a staff member (single) in receipt of expatriation allowance (16%) is: a) Staff member (single) in receipt of expatriation allowance (16%): EUR 7.240 b) Staff member with two dependent children in their custody in receipt of expatriation allowance (16%): EUR 9.436,00 Compensation and benefits: Healthy work-life balance and working environment: flexible working hours, structural teleworking opportunities (depending on the nature of your job), comprehensive annual leave, and maternity/parental leave In line with the EU civil service rules; Employees are protected against illness, accidents, and the risk of occupational disease by the Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS), which offers global insurance coverage; Staff pay EU tax at source, but salaries are exempt from national taxes; A competitive salary and benefits package (which can include expatriation, household, foreign residence and education allowances) in line with the EU civil service rules (Click here to explore our supplementary allowances; Europol fosters a continuous learning culture. We offer a comprehensive learning and development programme that is aligned with the overall business strategy and that values people’s performance and development; Social benefits in the form of unemployment allowance under certain conditions, as well as pension rights for Temporary and Contract Agents after 10 years of service; Possibility to advance in grade/salary through annual appraisal exercise and opportunities for lateral development within the organisation; A workplace that values environmental sustainability, diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. Apply now and create a safer Europe with us! Please refer to the job posting on our website for details regarding the eligibility and selection criteria and duties. The only way to submit an application is via the Europol website. Click here to visit Europol website and learn more about the Agency and its mission.

Core Responsibilities

Provide expert decryption and digital forensic services, operate the decryption platform, and coordinate with internal and external partners to maintain its operations. Develop and improve forensic and decryption methods, represent Europol at relevant events, support unit projects, and prepare reports and strategic documents.

Requirements

Candidates need experience in digital forensics and decryption, large-scale GPU cluster operations, workload distribution or parallel computing, Python programming, and forensic automation. They should know forensic examination techniques, applied cryptography, and Hashcat; experience with decryption software, natural-language-processing-based wordlist techniques, and expert groups is desirable.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours
• Teleworking Opportunities
• Annual Leave
• Maternity And Parental Leave
• Sickness And Accident Insurance
• Exemption From National Taxes
• Expatriation Allowance
• Household Allowance
• Foreign Residence Allowance
• Education Allowance
• Learning And Development Programme
• Unemployment Allowance
• Pension Rights
• Opportunities For Career Advancement
• Inclusive And Diverse Workplace