Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering focusing on Computer Security

Description of the workplace

The Division for Secure and Networked Systems within the Department of Electrical and Information Technology works broadly with research within cryptography, computer security, wireless and fixed networks. 

The division runs several research projects through different research collaboration platforms and arranges 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. 

Through the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program, WASP, we now offer a new doctoral student position in the computer security area.

More information on WASP (wasp-sweden.org).

Project description

The primary duties of the doctoral student position are to perform research and teaching within the computer security area. The research is devoted to researching security for dynamic resource allocation in next-generation mobile networks. Dynamic task execution in future networks will require careful verification of target resources and new principles and protocols for execution target verification are needed. In addition, different protected execution environments for dynamic execution, such as Intel TDX and AMD SEV, have different isolation properties and side channel risks. Side channel attacks on dynamically allocated confidential tasks are within the research scope of the positions. Furthermore, the resource allocation functions can be subject to attacks, and identifying attacks and countermeasures is expected to be studied. The research method will be a combination of system studies, simulations, and experimental research. The research project is a collaboration with Linköping University.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

You will perform experimental evaluations and publish your results in conferences and/or journals. 

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 the following: 

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

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good programming development skills and to work with complex computer and communication systems.  

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. 
2. An assessment of the ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Completed courses and/or master thesis work within computer security and/or cryptology. 
• Industrial experience.
• Documented software development skills.
• Machine learning skills.
• Documented teaching and communication skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave, and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third-cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. The start date is as soon as possible according to agreement but no later than December 1, 2025.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). 

Welcome to apply!