PhD Research Fellow in Hybrid AI for Cyber Security

Job description

A PhD Research Fellowship in Hybrid AI for Cyber Security is available at the Department of Informatics at the University of Oslo. 

The starting date for this position is no later than the 1st of April 2024. No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship at UiO.

The fellowship period will be three (3) years entirely devoted to research and research training.

Job description

The PhD position focuses on investigating the use of hybrid (also called neuro-symbolic) artificial intelligence (AI) to support cyber operations in SOCs (Security Operation Centres). Hybrid AI for cyber security combines modern deep learning with symbolic AI, which is based on logic and reasoning, to exploit the complementary properties of these different approaches.

The scholarship position is closely linked to SYNAPSE, a three-year research project financed by the European Horizon Europe programme.

Note that applicants are neither required nor expected to have knowledge of all these areas, but some knowledge of machine learning, symbolic AI or cyber security would be beneficial.

The fellowship position is at the Department of Informatics, specifically in the Digital Security research group. The Digital Security research group currently has 9 full- and part-time faculty members, several postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students. The research group conducts research in various areas of information and cyber security, focusing on fundamental aspects as well as on applications in multi-disciplinary contexts. We work in collaboration with leading national and international research partners from both academia, government, and industry. Current research topics span the domains of cyber threat intelligence (representation and sharing), threat detection and response, security orchestration and automation, knowledge engineering and information models, the use of AI/ML for cybersecurity, and cybersecurity standardisation. For more information about the Digital Security Research Group, see here.

To be eligible, candidates must not be a citizen of any other countries than European countries, NATO countries, and Five-Eyes countries. This restriction is because cyber security research may involve collaboration with defence and national security organisations where security clearance may be needed. 

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for this fellowship will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in cybersecurity, computer science (informatics), or AI/ML
• Foreign completed degrees (M.Sc.-level) must correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system

Desired qualifications:

• Previous knowledge and experience in AI, including machine learning, will be beneficial
• Previous knowledge and experience in cybersecurity will be beneficial

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 31 January 2024 to complete their studies.

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:

http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200– 575 400 per year depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions, and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original bachelor’s and master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
• Copy of the master’s thesis if completed
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be submitted to our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

Applicants will be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information, please contact:

• Associate Professor Vasileios Mavroeidis, e-mail: vasileim@ifi.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no

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