A PhD student in Security for Internet-of-Things - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

IoT networks will require security guarantees and protocols in the future in order to become suitable for adoption in many envisaged applications whose information security is of utmost importance. Several approaches to ensuring security have been reported in the last decade or so. However, they have not been specifically tailored to IoT networks and their applications. The research will develop new primitives and protocols for lightweight cryptography fitting the needs of the two critical and strongly related future network architectures, IoT and 5G. The research will give advanced knowledge in cryptographic theory, provide new primitives and protocols for the needs of the emerging networks, and demonstrate that the new security schemes are practical. The project aims to provide society with a secure environment in which the next generation of digital services can be safely deployed.

The candidates will be concerned with design and analysis of different cryptographic primitives and protocols. Examples may include lightweight identification and authentication protocols, key management protocols providing long-term security, incremental cryptographic primitives, and quantum-secure protocols based on different post-quantum primitives. Technique of formal analysis, including reductionist security and suitable symbolic analysis methods, may be used.

The research is a part of the profile area of Industrial IT and digital services at Mid Sweden University and will be carried out in collaboration with other researchers included in the STC Research Centre.

Job description: As a PhD student, your main task is to pursue research and graduate studies. An interest in mathematical formulation and analysis, as well as programming is required. The work is of theoretical nature with elements of computer simulations and experimental work. The work will also involve close cooperation with industrial partners and international contacts. The duties include reading PhD courses, do theoretical analysis, algorithm design and implementation via software based simulations, and documentation in the form of technical papers and reports.

Requirements and assessment: To be considered for a PhD position, the applicant must meet the entry requirements for admission to Mid Sweden University´s third-cycle programme. In order to meet the entry requirements the applicant must have a second-cycle degree, or have completed at least 240 ETCS credits of which at least 60 credits should be second-cycle courses. An additional requirement is that 90 credits of the 240 total must consist of courses in computer and system science. The applicant is also eligible for consideration if s/he has acquired the corresponding knowledge in some other way. A

Master of Science degree in computer science, applied mathematics, electrical engineering or computer engineering is an appropriate background for employment.

In addition to the formal qualifications, selection is also based on other works (e.g. thesis), and advanced level courses, and through interviews of applicants. Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be on creative thinking, co ability, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research training. A strong background in mathematics (discrete mathematics, abstract algebra), theoretical computer science, information theory, and programming is preferable. Previous experience in communication systems, and programming in C/C++, Python, or RTOS is meritorious.

Terms of employment: The post graduate position is intended to be an employment equivalent to two years of full-time research studies and aims to lead to a Licentiate degree. The appointment may be extended to a doctor’s degree, provided that additional funding is obtained. Starting date is determined after selection.  

Location: Sundsvall

Entry: According to agreement but preferably in Jan/Feb. 2020.

For further information Further information is available from Prof. Mikael Gidlund (Head of Research), mikael.gidlund@miun.se, or Dr. Patrik Österberg (Head of Institution), patrik.osterberg@miun.se, phone +46 60 148614. See also http://www.doktorandhandboken.nu for more information on doctoral studies in Sweden.

Salary: According to the Mid Sweden University salary scale for PhD students.

The application should include a verified CV, copies of official transcripts and degree certificates, description of objectives according to the above as well as other documents the applicant would like to refer to. Please welcome to apply through our recruitment tool no later than Dec. 12, 2019.