PhD Scholarships (2) in Cyber-Security and Cyber-Deception – DTU Compute

2 fully funded PhD positions in the emerging field of cyber-deception. These are part of the project Loki: situational aware collaborative bio-inspired cyber-deception and involve collaborations with some of the top universities/researchers in the field.
We are looking for two bright and motivated PhD students for two 3-year fully funded PhD positions starting 1 June 2024 (negotiable). The project is financed by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, and it is a collaboration between DTU, the University of Cambridge (UK), the Royal Holloway University of London (UK), and Stony Brook University (USA). It is an excellent opportunity to be involved in advanced research on cyber-security and cyber-deception, with important practical applications.

The two positions are part of the project Loki: Situational aware collaborative bio-inspired cyber-deception.This project, inspired by Norse mythology, with Loki being a shape-shifter god and a master of trickery, aims at redefining and evolving the emerging field of cyber-deception. Here, we attempt to deceive attackers by creating fake vulnerable systems that are aware of their surroundings and are constantly shifting. The project takes inspiration from nature (e.g., from the mimicry phenomenon) to synthesize sophisticated deception.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Upon joining this project, you will become a member of the Section for Cybersecurity Engineering. You will also join the DTU Compute PhD school and take part in its courses and activities. As part of your PhD training and research activities, you will have research stays at the academic collaborators’ universities.

The two PhD positions will involve:

• researching cyber-security and cyber-deception;
• studying the field of cyber-security psychology;
• exploring new bio-inspired methods for cyber-deception;
• exploring methods for creating devices’ network blueprints for deception;
• playing with AI/ML for the creation of advanced device blueprinting and deception;
• proposing methodologies for the evaluation of deceptive mechanisms.

Your duties will also include some Teaching Assistance work at DTU, and (if you wish) the co-supervision of BSc and MSc student projects related to your research.

To be considered for the position, you need some familiarity with cyber-security and computer networks. You will need to document these skills by listing the relevant university courses you took, or the relevant experience you have.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. You can apply prior to obtaining the degree, providing the expected graduation date.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will take place in early May 2024.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The expected starting date for the PhD position is1 June 2024 (or the earliest available date, by mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
For further information and inquiries, please contact Emmanouil Vasilomanolakis at [email protected].

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk/english and about the Cybersecurity Engineering Section at here.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 May 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A cover letter motivating the application (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Recommendation letters (optional)

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute is a unique and internationally recognized academic environment spanning the science disciplines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. We conduct research, teaching and innovation of high international standard - producing new knowledge and technology-based solutions to societal challenges. We have a long-term involvement in applied and interdisciplinary research, big data and data science, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), smart and secure societies, smart manufacturing, and life science.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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