PhD Positions in Data-driven Cybersecurity

PhD Positions in Data-driven Cybersecurity
Fast growing Cyber Security group with collaborations in Europe and USA both in academia and industry.

Job description
The Cybersecurity (CYS) group at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) invites applications for full-time doctoral candidates in the area of Data-driven Cybersecurity. Successful candidates will follow a data-driven approach by collecting and analyzing massive network and web data to improve security and privacy in the Internet. Examples include fighting cyber threats (e.g., ransomware, phishing, denial of service attacks, scanning for system vulnerabilities), identifying and mitigating network and Web vulnerabilities (e.g., unauthorized access, user tracking), and assessing the adoption of user data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) in the wild. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work closely with world-class researchers at TU Delft and our research collaborators in Europe and the US.

Our group conducts research in a range of cybersecurity topics, including, secure data analytics, applied cryptography, privacy, cloud security, system security, and network security. We aim to make the world a safer place as most of our activity and data move online. We design, develop, and evaluate interdisciplinary solutions that combine all fields of computer sciences: artificial intelligence, systems, and theory. Examples include the development of deep learning methods that are immune to common side-channel defences, machine learning algorithms that can operate on encrypted data in the cloud, detection and mitigation of large scale distributed denial of service attacks, and analysis of the latest security threats. We aim to publish our results at top conferences and journals, transfer our scientific know-how and technologies to students and our public and private partners in the field of cybersecurity, and have impact in society and the research community.  

Requirements

• MSc (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science and Engineering or a closely related field by the time of the appointment.
• Experience in Internet Security and Measurement and/or Web Security and Privacy.
• A strong background in collecting and analyzing large-scale network, Internet, or Web datasets.
• Excellent knowledge of Internet/Web protocols (BGP, DNS, NTP, DHCP, SNMP, HTTPS, TLS, MQTP).
• Excellent data analytics skills with python and SQLite, and knowledge or willingness to work with data-intensive platforms like Spark or ClickHouse.
• Knowledge of network monitoring technologies like Wireshark, NetFlow, SFlow, IPFIX, and experience with active port scanning and honeypot installation and management is a plus.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English.     
• Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. George Smaragdakis.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before September 15, 2022 via the application button and upload your motivation letter (maximum 1 page) with a curriculum vitae (including thesis title, publications, and links to published work) and names for two references.      

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.