PhD Position: Understanding Human Behaviour in The Security of The Internet of Things

Job description
How do people deal with "smart" devices that pop up everywhere? Billions of these sorts of computers are now present in our homes, on the streets and in companies. We still know little about how people interact with this new technology, especially in the field of security and privacy. How do smart devices influence our behaviour? What mental models do people form of what exactly these devices do? How can people make choices about security and privacy? We are looking for two motivated social scientists who would like to conduct doctoral research on these questions, in close collaboration with researchers from computer science and other disciplines.

The candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team of over 20 scientists who jointly research the security of the Internet of Things and other topics. The team consists of people from different disciplines, countries, and backgrounds. Your project also offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with companies such as internet providers, with whom we, for example, conduct experiments (randomized controlled trials) and surveys in practice. We also work with government organizations that make policy and with parties such as the Consumers' Association that test devices. The PhD students will have the opportunity to present their work at international conferences, to conduct research abroad and to collaborate with the world's leading researchers working towards a secure digital future.

Requirements
- In possession or expect to obtain a master of Science (MSc) or equivalent in a social science / behavioural science or in a field investigating the human aspects of information security.

- English language skills

- Dutch is a plus because we will also conduct interviews with Dutch users

- Good academic writing skills and excellent communication skills

- Being able to organize your work independently

- Curious and critical mind

- Can work together in an interdisciplinary team

Conditions of employment
TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 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 Technology, Policy and Management
With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security.

We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Additional information
For information about the selection procedure, please contact Olivie Beek, HR Advisor, email: hr-tbm@tudelft.nl.

For more information about these vacancies, feel free to contact Dr.-Ing. Tobias Fiebig (T.Fiebig@tudelft.nl) and/or Dr. Simon Parkin (s.e.parkin@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure
A pre-employment screening can be part of the application procedure.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter explaining your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD, including how you see the PhD fitting into your career trajectory
• A CV, which should include details of your eligibility;
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc);
• Other information for consideration, e.g., master thesis, scientific publications, professional or popular science writing.