Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
To our institution, which conducts research at the highest international level and offers several high-quality educational programs in Computing Science, we are now seeking a PhD student with a focus on Computer Security.
The Department of Computing Science has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a focus on creating an inclusive and bottom-up driven research environment. Our workplace consists of a diverse set of people from different nationalities, backgrounds and fields. As a PhD student working with us, you receive the benefits of support in career development, networking, administrative and technical support functions, along with good employment conditions. More information about the department is available at: Department of Computing Science
Project description Our societies rely on computer systems and on software stacks. Unfortunately, software systems contain bugs and vulnerabilities which can be exploited by malicious actors. This project will be conducted in the Software Engineering and Security (SES) group. The PhD student will conduct an in-depth investigation of a class of vulnerabilities and devise static and/or dynamic approaches to detect them in the code or prevent their execution at runtime.
Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/
The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to provide the skills needed to analyze, develop, and contribute to the interdisciplinary area of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD-students, researchers and industry. Read more at: https://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school/
Qualifications The general admission requirements for doctoral studies are a second- cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.
To be admitted to doctoral studies in the field of computing science, the applicant must have completed courses totaling at least 90 higher education credits in computing science or in subjects directly relevant to the specific specialization.
Candidates are expected to have: - A genuine interest in computer security - A very good knowledge in programming (such as in C, Java or Python) - In-depth understanding of computer systems (assembly code, compilers)
Important personal qualities are the ability to work in a team, communicate with colleagues, be curious and creative.
About the position The position provides you with the opportunity to pursue PhD studies in Computing Science for four years, with the goal of achieving the degree of Doctor in Computing Science. While the position is mainly devoted to PhD studies (at least 80% of the time), it may include up to 20% department service (usually teaching). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly, resulting in a maximum of five years.
The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.
The expected starting date is October 15th, 2025 or as agreed upon.
Application Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University.
A complete application should contain the following documents:
A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons for applying for the position, and your contact information
A curriculum vitae (CV)
Reprints / copies of completed BSc and/or MSc theses and other relevant publications, if any
Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences.
The application must be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents must be in pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than September 12th, 2025.
The Department of Computing Science values gender diversity, and therefore particularly encourages women and those outside the gender binary to apply for the position.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
