PhD Position: AI-driven Cybersecurity and Cybersafety

Job Description

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced at an unprecedented pace, revolutionizing industries and reshaping the way we interact with technology. But how can this powerful and ever-evolving technology change the cybersecurity and cybersafety landscape?

Today, cyber threats are becoming more complex and widespread. Understanding and predicting user behavior is crucial for strengthening cybersecurity and cybersafety. Traditional methods of studying user interactions online often lack the detail and flexibility needed to keep up with these changing threats. With the latest advancements in AI, we can create sophisticated models that not only replicate human actions but also predict possible weaknesses and attack methods. By using AI to mimic user behaviors, we can develop advanced simulations that anticipate potential vulnerabilities, enabling proactive defense strategies. As AI systems become more integrated into technology and society, ensuring they are safe and secure is more important than ever. This means developing innovative ways to measure how well AI simulations work, designing AI agents that can safely operate in dynamic environments, and protecting AI models from potential misuse by nefarious actors.

Your research will tackle critical research questions such as:

• Simulating User Behaviors with AI: How can we create realistic AI-driven simulations of user behavior to study and mitigate cybersecurity and cybersafety issues?
• Assessing AI Simulations: What metrics can effectively evaluate the performance and quality of AI-powered user simulations?
• Leveraging AI for Data Collection: How can AI technologies be utilized to enhance data collection methods in cybersecurity research?
• Designing Open-World AI Agents: What approaches can we take to develop AI agents that operate safely and effectively in ever-changing environments?
• Implementing Safety and Security Safeguards: What measures can be added to AI models to protect them from misuse?

Job Requirements

Required:

• In possession or expect to obtain a master of Science (MSc) or equivalent in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence or Data Science. Please note, a master's degree is a requirement to start a PhD programme.
• Good English language skills (detailed English language requirements are available at: https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/phd/admission)
• 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
• Previous research experience with AI tools and models will be considered a plus

As a PhD candidate, you'll become an integral part of our Cybersecurity Group at the TPM faculty, a vibrant community of researchers from diverse disciplines (such as computer science, psychology, and social sciences), countries, and backgrounds. Our team is dedicated to exploring emerging cybersecurity and cybersafety issues from multiple angles, fostering a rich environment for innovative solutions and collaborative learning. The PhD candidate 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 on Cybersecurity and Cybersafety.

TU Delft

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

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

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Savvas Zannettou (S.Zannettou@tudelft.nl) and/or Dr. Yury Zhauniarovich (Y.Zhauniarovich@tudelft.nl)

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 December 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV which should include details of your eligibility.
• Motivational letter explaining your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD, including how you see the PhD fitting into your career trajectory.

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. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.