PhD student in Computer Science: Formal Methods and Security

Research Environment
Welcome to Linnaeus University! A place for knowledge, ideas and development. For growth potential and a belief in the future. In Småland and in the world. 

The ubiquity of sensor, computing, communication, and storage technologies provides us with access to previously unknown amounts of data—Big Data. It has revolutionized research communities and their scientific methodologies and innovated the approaches to knowledge and theory building, validation, and exploitation in the Sciences and the Humanities. With the foundation of a Linnaeus University Center on “Data Intensive Sciences and Applications” (DISA, https://lnu.se/disa) in Jan 2017, Big Data has officially become a research profile at Linnaeus University. 

This research will be carried out in Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Technology, Växjö Campus under the supervision of Dr. Narges Khakpour and in close collaboration with industry. 

Work description
The position is in the context of the PROSSES (Provably Secure Self-Protecting Systems) project, funded by a project grant from the Knowledge Foundation (KK). The goal of this project is developing a framework to design a protecting layer for a system using formal methods. We will develop formal techniques and the supporting tools for the analysis and synthesis purposes, and demonstrate the framework applicability in practice by applying it on security-critical industrial systems. The project will be carried out in collaboration with internationally recognized researchers from KU Leuven and industrial partners. 

We are looking for qualified students that can contribute to this work by (i) developing innovative software architectures to design secure software systems, (ii) developing formal techniques to model and analyze the system security, (iii) designing safe and secure corrective countermeasures to prevent security violations,and (iv) demonstrating and evaluating the research results in real-life applications provided by the industrial partners. 

This position will be a fully funded 5-year Ph.D. position and the selected candidate will perform research (80%) and assist in teaching at the department of computer science (20%).  

General entry requirements
General entry requirements comprise a completed undergraduate program of at least 240 credits, including 60 credits at advanced level, or the equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. The specific entry requirements are at least a completed Master’s degree (or near be completed) in Computer Science or any equivalent education relevant for the project. 

Assessment criteria/Qualifications
The successful candidate has


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Strong analytical, conceptual and problem solving skills


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Expertise in at least two of the areas of formal methods, security, software architecture and programming


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Ability and experience to work independently as well as with a team


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High proficiency in written and spoken English


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Proven ability to adhere to a time plan


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Commitment to dedicate five years of her/his life to do a PhD



Applicants will be selected through a qualitative assessment of the competences and skills to conduct research and to contribute to a successful development of the research environment.

Welcome to apply online no later than 2017-06-01. The application must include 


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A cover letter in addition to a brief statement of why you believe your goals and experience are well-matched with the required skills and goals of this position.


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A CV that includes at least the list of your previous degrees, dates, the list of publications and previous research results, and contact information for three references.


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The candidate’s main prior publications (up to two) in addition to the master thesis report.


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The transcripts for the bachelor and master studies.



Further information: Please contact
The PI of the PROSSES project Dr. Narges Khakpour, +46 470 70 87 04, narges.khakpour@lnu.seor the DISA research coordinator Prof. Welf Löwe, welf.lowe@lnu.se, +46 76 760 36 62.
Head of department, Assoc.-Prof. Jesper Andersson, +46 470 708460, jesper.andersson@lnu.se. HR-partner, Carina Axelsson, +46 470 708507, carina.axelsson@lnu.se


Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 on the closing day.