Summary
The Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) at Stockholm University is offering a PhD scholarship focusing on Cybersecurity, specifically in the area of Security, Privacy, and Trust in Intelligent and Distributed Systems. This is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated individuals to conduct cutting-edge research in a stimulating international environment, bridging technology with humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences.
PhD Scholarship in Computer and Systems Sciences: Cybersecurity Focus
Designation
PhD Student in Computer and Systems Sciences, with focus on Cybersecurity
Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV), Stockholm University |
| Research Focus | Cybersecurity; Security, Privacy, and Trust in Intelligent and Distributed Systems |
| Employment Type | Fixed-term employment as a doctoral student (up to 4 years full-time) |
| Workload | Primarily doctoral education, with up to 20% dedicated to teaching, research, and administration |
| Benefits | Competitive salary, wellness benefits, funding for books, conference travel, and professional growth |
Research Area
The PhD project focuses on advancing network and information security by developing novel methods, algorithms, system architectures, and evaluation frameworks for securing modern intelligent and distributed systems. The research lies at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and distributed systems, combining mathematically grounded security mechanisms with practical system design and implementation.
Potential Research Directions include:
- Security, robustness, and privacy of generative and agentic AI systems, as well as intelligent network services.
- Trustworthy and explainable AI for critical infrastructures and cyber-physical systems.
- AI-assisted cybersecurity mechanisms.
- Security and privacy of cloud, edge, and distributed systems.
- Privacy-enhancing technologies.
- Secure protocols and cryptographic mechanisms for intelligent and distributed systems.
- Security analytics based on graph learning and large-scale data analysis.
The research will involve both theoretical investigations and experimental system development, including mathematical modelling, formal security analysis, machine learning, data analytics, simulations, prototype implementation, and empirical evaluation.
Location
Stockholm University’s campus in Kista, north of central Stockholm, Sweden.
Eligibility/Qualification
General Entry Requirements:
- A second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or elsewhere.
Specific Entry Requirements:
- Completed courses at second-cycle level in Computer and Systems Sciences with a minimum of 60 higher education credits or equivalent.
- Completed a degree project (thesis) of at least 15 higher education credits.
- English language skills equivalent to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Level B2.
Selection Criteria (capacity to benefit from training):
- Independence in the analysis and organization of earlier scientific work.
- Problem formulation and rigor in previous scientific work and in the research plan.
- Previously shown ability to keep specified time limits.
- Methodological and scientific maturity.
- Communication and cooperation skills.
- Subject-specific knowledge relevant to education.
Meritorious Qualifications:
- Strong background and solid knowledge in both theoretical and applied security.
- Strong analytical and mathematical abilities.
- Solid background in computer science, particularly in areas such as computer networks, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
- Ability to design, analyze, and evaluate security mechanisms both theoretically and experimentally.
- Demonstrated interest in combining theoretical foundations with practical system implementation.
How to Apply
Apply for the PhD student position directly through Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Applicants must attach a personal letter and CV, along with all other requested attachments as specified in the application form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application is complete and submitted before the deadline. It is recommended that the application and associated documents be written in English.
For instructions on how to apply, please visit: How to apply for a position.
Last Date for Apply
Open Until Filled
Apply Link
Apply for PhD student position at Stockholm University
