PhD candidate in Behavioral Information Security

(Valid from 18/01/2024 to 30/09/2024)   

Language: English (UK) 

Location Luxembourg 

Country: Luxembourg   

Organisation data: Interdisciplinary Centre of Security, Reliability and Trust 

Job Number: UOL06126 

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 

Duration 36 Month 

Schedule Type: Full Time 

Work Hours 40.0 Hours per Week 

Expected Start Date: 01/01/2024   

Job (internal): Doctoral Researcher 

Functions: PhD Candidates     

About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

The Centre is rapidly expanding its research activities and is seeking highly motivated doctoral candidates who wish to pursue research in close cooperation with our partners. For further information you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu and www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/finatrax/

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our team as a PhD candidate in the field of Information Systems, with a specific focus on Behavioral Information Security. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and make a significant impact in the field.

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

  Your Role

Successful candidates will join the young, vibrant, and interdisciplinary FINATRAX Research Group, which builds bridges between business research and information systems engineering. The group conducts research on the application and the impact of digital technologies like DLT/Blockchain, Digital Identities, Machine Learning/AI, and IoT/5G on organisations from both the private and public sectors. The group consists of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds (e.g., policy, business, technology), united in pursuit of sustainable technologies that positively impact society. For more information, please visit our website: www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/finatrax/

Successful candidates will pursue a Ph.D. degree (Doctorate) in computer science and computer engineering with a specialization in information systems, having the opportunity to make an important contribution to several exciting research projects. In light of emerging technologies, they will focus primarily on the behavioral aspects of Information Security to mitigate risks and effectively protect corporate assets. Specifically, they will examine how users respond to organizational security measures in the digital age and how new technologies shape and impact corporate cybersecurity management. The doctoral research will be conducted in the broader context of Prof. Fridgen’s PayPal-FNR PEARL Research Grant in the area of DLT/Blockchain, Digital Identities, Machine Learning/AI. Successful candidates will thus have the opportunity to investigate a broad range of research areas and design an individual research portfolio. As such, successful candidates will be able to align the skills that they learn pursuing a doctorate with their personal goals and interests.

In general, the candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Conduct research on behavioral aspects of Information Security, including user behavior, decision-making processes, and personality traits
• Advance the research on AI-related challenges but also potential opportunities that arise from new technologies from a users perspective suggestions, e.g. investigate the role of AI for Cybersecurity Awareness Management
• Develop strategies to improve corporate security strategies by identifying the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of employees with regard to (AI-based) security measures in companies
• Deploy qualitative and quantitative IS methods, including interviews, multivariate analysis and design science research.
• Participate in the creation of networking opportunities – e.g., conferences, interviews, partnership events
• Disseminate results through scientific publications in information systems outlets

  Your Profile

We welcome applications from candidates holding at least one of the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Psychology, Social Sciences or related fields

What we are looking for:

• Strong background in Behavioral research methods, statistical analysis, and experimental design
• Familiarity with (behavioral) Information Security concepts, protocols, and technologies
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, R) and experience with data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS) are highly diserable
• Willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary context and develop a set of interdisciplinary methods (i.e., dealing with both qualitative and quantitative data)
• Interest in engaging with stakeholders active in IT, IT compliance and IT security
• A collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group
• The commitment to participate in the design and implementation of high-quality solutions that solve significant problems
• Self-initiative, creativity, curiosity, flexibility and enthusiasm to work

The position requires English-language proficiency for both written and verbal communication. Knowledge of French, German and/or Luxembourgish is beneficial but not required.

  Here’s what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there’s more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

  In Short

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL06126

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time)

  How to apply

Applications, written in English should be submitted through the University’s job portal and should include:  

• A cover letter including:
  • A statement on the candidate’s personal motivation for applying (why a doctoral program, why in Luxembourg, minimum 300 words)
  • A statement on the candidate’s motivation for applying for this topic (minimum 300 words)
• Full CV, including the contact address and work experience
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree or equivalent)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

  About the University of LuxembourgUniversity of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.   

Further information This position is open as long as it is listed on the University’s job portal. For further information, please contact both, muriel.frank@uni.lu and gilbert.fridgen@uni.lu. Only applications submitted through the University’s job portal will be processed. Applications by email will not be considered.