PhD in Systems & AI Security: Applications are invited for fully-funded PhD positions in the Cybersecurity Center at San Diego State University (SDSU), under the supervision of Dr. Yifan Zhang, Assistant Professor. The research will focus on systems security, AI security, and privacy across modern computing ecosystems, including software supply chain, IoT, and mobile security.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Systems & AI Security – San Diego State University (SDSU)
📋 Position Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Student (Research Assistantship) |
| Research Area | Systems Security, AI Security, Privacy, Mobile & IoT Security, Cybercrime |
| Location | Cybersecurity Center @ San Diego State University, San Diego, CA |
| Supervisor | Dr. Yifan Zhang, Assistant Professor, SDSU |
🎯 Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates should have:
- Strong curiosity for real-world systems and willingness to dissect complex software stacks.
- Solid systems skills: Linux, scripting, debugging, reading specs/source code.
- Background or interest in program analysis & tooling (reverse engineering, static/dynamic analysis, fuzzing, formal methods).
- Strong coding ability with experience in building research prototypes or pipelines.
- Collaborative, respectful, and proactive research mindset.
- Prior research/projects in systems security, AI security, or privacy are highly desirable.
🛠️ Job Description (Research Focus)
PhD students will work on cutting-edge projects related to:
- Software Supply Chain Security & Privacy
- Mobile & IoT Systems Security
- Cybercrime Investigations
- Reverse engineering, static & dynamic program analysis, and formal verification techniques.
Students will contribute to designing, analyzing, and building defenses against novel vulnerabilities, and aim to publish in top security venues.
🌍 About SDSU & San Diego
- San Diego State University (SDSU): A leading public research university in Southern California with strong industry and public-sector ties. SDSU provides an interdisciplinary environment with opportunities for high-impact security research.
- San Diego: Known for mild year-round weather, beautiful coastline, and a thriving innovation ecosystem spanning software, biotech, defense, and telecommunications.
📝 How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare:
- Statement of Research Interests – including past projects and future goals.
- CV/Resume – with links to relevant code or research artifacts.
- Portfolio (Optional) – links to open-source contributions or technical write-ups.
📧 Send application via email with the subject line format:[SDSU Security PhD] Your Name --- [Brief Research Interest]
🔗 More details: https://1phan.com
⏳ Last Date to Apply
📅 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Early applications are encouraged.
