This PhD project is an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in security and are excited about sharing their knowledge with others. Possible PhD topics include, but are not limited to, cyber threat modeling and analytics, cyber risk management, mobile and embedded system security, software security, distributed and blockchain system security.  The topic will be jointly chosen by the selected PhD candidate and the supervisor Dr. Olga Gadyatskaya taking into account the background and personal preferences of the candidate.

The teaching PhD position means that 30% of time is to be spent on teaching. Therefore, this position is for 6 years instead of the usual 4. This is a good opportunity to deeply focus on the chosen study topic, and develop and disseminate impactful results.

Key responsibilities

• Conducting research in the field of security under the supervision of Dr. Olga Gadyatskaya;
• Studying the related literature, developing new approaches, prototyping novel techniques for the chosen topic, and publishing the results in academic conferences and journals;
• Designing and teaching suitable BSc and/or MSc courses under the supervision of Dr. Olga Gadyatskaya.

• Master degree in Computer Science or a closely related field;
• Strong interest in security is required. Interest in computer systems, data science, software engineering, formal methods, or related fields is desired;
• Proficient in spoken and written English;
• An independent and creative team player with good communicative skills;
• Able to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Interest in teaching and assisting teaching computer science topics to bachelor or master students;
• Team spirit/collaboration attitude is strongly preferred.

We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the  research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another five years. Salary range from € 2.325,-  to € 2.972,-  gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school. Teaching PhD have the possibility of obtaining the (partial) University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. LIACS is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We stand for excellence in a caring Institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture. In the Netherlands, a maternity allowance is standard for 16 weeks. Child care is available at and near the Bio Science Park.

Leiden University

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see the website.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and also in the interdisciplinary areas of ICT in Business, Media Technology and Creative science, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. Our people and our focus on collaboration in a caring atmosphere are dear to us. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and inclusiveness go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.  

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. Leiden is a lively and beautiful city with a central location in Europe, at only 17 minutes from Schiphol International Airport. It is a very international city where almost everybody speaks English, candidates need not be afraid of the language barrier. Leiden is a typical historic university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Today, with some 27,000 students, 5,500 staff, 16 Nobel prizes, more than 100 nationalities and a budget of more than 550 million Euros, it is one of the largest comprehensive universities in Europe. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia.