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 from 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 you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Cybersecurity group 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.

Luleå University of Technology is in an expansive phase and is making an investment to strengthen research and education in cybersecurity by establishing a new research group in the field. This initiative is directly related to the university's successful computer science environment with several strong research groups that offer good synergy opportunities. We therefore see a focus on research and development of methods to protect various types of systems connected to the internet as important. These systems range from small sensors to large-scale control systems for the society's energy supply, and the research covers everything from deep research at the method level, e.g., algorithm development, to applied research in collaboration with other groups.

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

Luleå University of Technology will start a cross-disciplinary regional development project in total defense in 2026. The goal is to contribute applied and needs-driven research to the actors of total defense in Norrbotten and Västerbotten counties.

We are looking for a motivated and innovative PhD student to join our research team to develop IT/OT security solutions for critical infrastructure in total defense-relevant environments. The work aims to develop and verify a framework for cybersecurity in total defense-relevant environments where IT and OT systems interact, such as in energy supply, water treatment, healthcare, and industry. The research is needs-driven and focuses on the convergence issues between IT and OT, where traditional security solutions often fall short. The goal is to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure against cyberattacks, sabotage, and disruptions, especially in crisis and war situations. The work includes, among other things, the preparation of a literature study of methods and frameworks for IT/OT security, including analysis of vulnerabilities and threat landscapes in converging system environments; requirements analysis in collaboration with total defense actors, food industry, critical minerals, and the public sector; development of a tailored framework for risk management, incident response, and secure communication between IT and OT components; and testing and evaluation of the framework in simulated/real total defense-relevant environments.

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 a teaching role. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, providing 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. Additionally, you should have expertise in methods, models, and frameworks as well as security mechanisms within IT and OT environments. Written and oral communication in English is required, as well as a strong team spirit. It is also an advantage if you have previous research experience and publications.

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

Currently, most employees in the cybersecurity subject are men, so we particularly welcome 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. Start date February 1, 2026, or by agreement. Travel within and outside the country may occur. Security clearance may be required.

For further information, please contact:

Professor/Department Head Kåre Synnes, 0920-49 1507, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Professor and Subject Representative Karl Andersson, 0910-58 5364, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching 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: January 6, 2026
Reference number: 6691-2025