Postdoctoral position in Cyber Vulnerability Risk Modelling (1.0 FTE)

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences has a vacancy for a postdoctoral researcher in data-driven modelling of cyber vulnerability risk within the defence domain (1.0 FTE). The Center for Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Intelligent Systems at Tilburg University, in collaboration with the Faculty of Military Sciences and the Joint Sigint Cyber Unit, invites applications for a fully funded postdoctoral position focusing on predictive modelling of cyber risks.

Description
The Department of Intelligent Systems at Tilburg University, together with partners within the Ministry of Defence, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the interdisciplinary field of cyber risk modelling and prediction. The project is conducted in close collaboration with the Faculty of Military Sciences and the Joint Sigint Cyber Unit, and is embedded within the broader research activities of the Data Science Center of Excellence of the Ministry of Defence.

The central objective of this research is to investigate how data-driven and predictive models can be developed to quantify, model and predict the risk posed by sets of cyber vulnerabilities. The project addresses both conceptual and technical challenges, including the definition of cyber vulnerability risk, the identification of predictive features, and the construction and validation of statistical or machine-learning-based models.

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for:

• Developing a standardized and operationalizable definition of cyber vulnerability risk;
• Identifying and operationalizing relevant variables and features that predict cyber risk;
• Constructing and curating datasets of historical cyber incidents, vulnerabilities, and associated risk indicators;
• Developing, validating and evaluating a predictive demo model (e.g. regression-based or hybrid statistical/ML approaches);
• Translating results into academic publications, technical documentation, and an evaluative final report.

The project aims to produce a validated predictive model that can support cyber risk detection and assessment within defence contexts, while also contributing to the academic literature on cyber security analytics.

• A PhD degree in data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, operations research, econometrics, or a closely related field;
• Demonstrable experience with statistical modelling, regression analysis, or predictive analytics;
• Strong programming skills and practical experience with data-driven research;
• Affinity with or experience in cyber security, cyber risk analysis, or defence-related research is highly desirable;
• Excellent command of English and strong academic writing skills;
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and security-sensitive research environment.

Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment:

• A full-time position (1.0 FTE)
• Dutch citizen, fluency in Dutch, excellent command of English
• The selected candidate will receive a contract for 24 months.
• A salary ranging from a minimum of 3.546 to a maximum of 5.538 gross per month for full time employment, based on UFO profile Researcher 4 and salary scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually).
• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave.
• Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month).
• Reimbursement sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport.
• Options model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle or personal training.
• Assistance in finding accommodation (for foreign employees).
• Pension through ABP.
• Ample training offer: personal development, leadership, education, research or language courses.
• Inclusive work culture: everyone welcome, equal opportunities.
• A green, inviting campus that’s easily accessible by public transport.

Due to the nature of the research, Dutch citizenship and fluency in Dutch may be required, and security screening can be part of the selection process.

For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities.

Tilburg University is an academic, inclusive, and engaged community. Together with nearly 3,000 employees, we are committed to broad prosperity, sustainably, and inclusion. For current and future generations. We develop and share knowledge for the requirements of people and our society. This is how we contribute to solving complex social issues and help society move forward.

We educate our 19,500 students of 110 nationalities to become responsible leaders with knowledge, skills, and character. With our education and research for broad prosperity, we exceedingly focus on themes such as mental and preventive care, an inclusive labor market, the energy transition, and digitalization.

The Department and Research Environment

The Department of Intelligent Systems at Tilburg University is part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. The department conducts cutting-edge research in areas including data science, artificial intelligence, human–machine interaction, and computational modelling. It offers a vibrant international research environment with staff from more than ten countries and strong national and international collaborations.

The research is embedded within the Data Science Center of Excellence of the Ministry of Defence, the leading defence data science research institute in the Netherlands, and in collaboration with the Joint Sigint Cyber Unit. The project contributes directly to defence-relevant research questions in the cyber domain and supports both operational insight and academic advancement.

More information

The intended project duration is from 2026 to 2028. Intermediate results will be delivered in the form of academic publications and technical reports. The final deliverable includes a validated predictive model, comprehensive documentation, and an evaluative research report.

For more information about the project, please contact the project supervisors at Tilburg University.

More detailed project information can be provided on request: please contact Roy Lindelauf (r.h.a.lindelauf@tilburguniversity.edu).