Summary
Aalto University is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) position within the Humans, Security and Privacy research group at the Department of Computer Science. This interdisciplinary role focuses on human-centered security and digital deception, investigating how users respond to social engineering and fabricated digital requests.
Position Overview
| Designation | Doctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Human-Centered Security, Social Engineering, and Digital Deception |
| Location | Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Finland |
| Salary | Starting from €3,168.20 per month |
| Employment Type | Fixed-term (2 years with 2-year renewal option) |
| Application Deadline | November 20, 2026 |
Research Area
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Verena Distler. The research aims to understand how technology users judge the authenticity of digital requests in an era of deepfakes and social engineering. The project combines human-computer interaction (HCI), psychology, and security to design user-centered technologies that support informed decision-making and autonomy.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A relevant Master’s degree completed by the start date (e.g., Computer Science, HCI, Psychology, or Social Sciences).
- Strong interest in the psychological and social aspects of human-centered security and privacy.
- Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal).
- Experience in at least one of the following: experimental design, questionnaire development, qualitative interviewing, or interactive prototyping.
- Willingness to develop complementary methodological skills.
- Strong organizational and collaborative skills.
Scholarship Description
The position offers a competitive starting salary of €3,168.20 per month. In addition to the salary, Aalto University provides:
- Occupational health benefits.
- Access to Finland’s comprehensive social security system.
- A flexible and supportive work culture that values work-life balance.
- Opportunities for international collaboration and professional development.
- A structured starting project with the freedom to develop independent research questions.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Aalto University recruitment system (Workday). Applicants should prepare a single PDF file containing the following documents:
- CV: Detailing academic and professional background.
- Motivation Letter: (Maximum 2 pages) Explaining why you want to pursue a PhD, your relevant skills with concrete examples, and your earliest possible start date.
- Transcripts: Records of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- References: Names and contact details of two referees familiar with your research or work.
Note: Internal Aalto employees should apply through the internal Workday “Find Jobs” portal.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is November 20, 2026. However, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Apply Link
Candidates can submit their application via the official portal: Apply Here
