PhD Student in Cybersecurity

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We have a wide range of educational programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope that you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Cybersecurity subject at the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Luleå University of Technology is now seeking a PhD student to contribute to our growing activities.

Subject Description

Cybersecurity focuses on technical security aspects and the protection of systems connected to the internet, including the protection of software, data, and hardware.

Project Description

Our collaborative project, involving academia, industry, and the public sector, addresses the issue that certain types of data and information as well as systems need to be protected for a long time to come. Encrypted information stored today may be cracked in the future with quantum computers ("Store now, decrypt later"). This poses potential threats to technical systems such as IoT, vehicles, and critical control systems that may have a long technical lifespan and be in operation for 10-20 years. These systems need to be protected to avoid becoming obsolete before they are decommissioned. By studying and developing knowledge in post-quantum cryptography, existing methods against post-quantum attacks are improved, which in turn ensures that new security systems implemented today are future-proofed.

Job Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and elective PhD courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try out teaching roles. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a fantastic opportunity to learn how to drive challenging development projects.

Qualifications

We are looking for analytical and motivated colleagues who can perform advanced research in our research group both independently and in collaboration with others. You should have a Master's degree in Computer Engineering or equivalent and expertise in cryptography. Extensive programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or other programming languages is also required. A very good ability to communicate in writing and orally in English is also required, as well as a strong team spirit.

For further information about specific PhD education, see the study plans for doctoral education within the Faculty of Technology.

Most employees in the cybersecurity subject are currently men, which is why we encourage female applicants.

Information

Employment as a PhD student is time-limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Skellefteå. Expected start date: January 1, 2026, or as soon as possible.

For further information, please contact:
Professor/Department Head Kåre Synnes, 0920-49 1507, [email protected]
Professor and Subject Representative Karl Andersson, 0910-58 5364, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter and CV/resume and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: December 5, 2025
Reference number: 4759-2025