Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering to the Department of Electrical Engineering

Description of the workplace

The Secure and Networked Systems Division within the Department of Electrical and Information Technology works broadly with research within Cryptography, Computer Security, Wireless and Fixed Networks. The security group has around 20 members. The main research directions are Cryptography, Privacy and System Security for Connected Systems. The division runs several research projects through different large research collaboration platforms and arranges extensive workshops and seminar series, making the research at the division visible to larger audiences. Cross-disciplinary projects are formed through our research collaboration platforms and national and international research networks, contributing to a dynamic research environment. 

Being a doctoral student 

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. 

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at LTH on lth.se. 

Subject and project description

Through ELLIIT we now offer a new doctoral student position in the area of Cryptology.

ELLIIT is a strategic research environment funded by the Swedish government in 2010, as part of its initiative to support strong research in information technology and mobile communications. ELLIIT has four partners: Linköping University, Lund University, Halmstad University and Blekinge Institute of Technology. ELLIIT constitutes a platform for both fundamental and applied research, and for cross-fertilization between disciplines and between academic researchers and industry experts. ELLIIT stands out by the quality and visibility of its publications, and its ability to attract and retain top talented researchers and aims at being recognized as a top international research organization.

More about ELLIIT (elliit.se).

The project includes an investigation into the research topic of side-channel analysis, particularly in the context of using AI tools to aid security analysis. 
You will perform research on the side-channel analysis of cryptographic schemes and consider any relevant (side-channel) attacks. The work can include both developing attacks, methods to protect implementations and their joint security evaluations. 

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences. 

The work duties include:

• Cryptology research.
• Contributing to research projects.
• Taking doctoral students courses.
• The duties also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

Qualifications 

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or 
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or 
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Electrical Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or 
• a MSc in Engineering in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, Nanoengineering, Engineering Physics or Information and Communication Engineering. 

Additional requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required: 

• Strong knowledge and skills in one or several areas such as or similar to: Cryptology, Data Security, Coding Theory, Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, Discrete Mathematics, Programming.
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good ability to cooperate.
• Very good knowledge of English, spoken and written. 

Other qualifications 

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications: 

• Experience in research or development in the area of side-channel analysis.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. 

About the employment 

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as soon as possible by agreement, however no later than May 1, 2026.
Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages. 

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include: 

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. 
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project. 
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We welcome your application.