PhD Position Secure Data Sharing in Federated Edge Clouds

Join our team and contribute to the secure sharing of data in federated edge clouds!

Job description 

Imagine contributing to the design of novel algorithms for real time exchange/sharing of data,  inspired by challenging data sharing problems in automated driving, smart cities and smart grids.

Commercial interests and legal constraints often restrict data exchange, prohibiting straightforward solutions such as consolidating all data in central “data lakes” that can be freely accessed by all stakeholders. Also, in many applications the complete data does not need or is not allowed to be revealed to all stakeholders.

This exciting PhD position is part of NExTWORKx, a strategic partnership between KPN, a leading Telecom and ICT service provider, and Delft University of Technology. You will be supervised by dr. Maksim Kitsak, prof.dr. Lydia Chen (TU Delft and University of Neuchatel) and prof.dr.ir. Piet Van Mieghem and an expert at KPN, working closely with a collaborative team. Curious to learn more about the project? Feel free to visit our website, where you’ll also find other exciting PhD opportunities related to this collaboration.

You’ll be part of a diverse and passionate team of academic staff, PhD candidates, and postdocs in the Network Architectures and Services Group. We value open discussions, sharing ideas, and collaborating regularly to advance our understanding of complex networks—whether they are technological, biological, or social. You’ll also receive comprehensive training to support your growth as a scientist.

Are you interested to know more about the project, our department or our group? Please feel free to visit our webpages:

• About the NExTWORKx project and related vacancies.
• About the QCE department.
• About the NAS group

Requirements 

In order to be successful, you will have:

• MSc in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics or related disciplines with a strong background in mathematical modeling, algorithms and probabilistic modeling
• Good programming skills in Python/C/C++
• Good oral and very good written skills in English
• Enjoys working in an international and inter-disciplinary research group

Because of project definitions, we are looking for EU citizens.

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 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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

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. Maksim Kitsak, email: m.a.kitsak@tudelft.nl or prof.dr.Lydia Chen, email: y.chen@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure 
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than December 1, 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• 1-page motivational letter
• Degree transcripts
• The names and contact information of at least two relevant references.

You can address your application to Dr. M.A. Kitsak.

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.