PhD Candidates (f/m/d) in IT Security - Collaborative Network Detection and Response

Project Overview

We are seeking highly motivated PhD candidates to join a cutting-edge research initiative focused on collaborative and distributed Network Detection and Response (NDR) systems. This project aims to develop next-generation intrusion detection architectures that leverage AI-driven approaches and machine learning to enhance scalability, adaptability, and intelligence in threat detection across distributed environments.

Your Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research within one of the following focus areas:
  • Distributed Detection Architectures: Design of scalable and resilient intrusion detection systems across multiple network domains.
  • Collaborative Threat Intelligence & Data Sharing: Development of secure and privacy-preserving mechanisms for sharing detection insights.
  • AI-driven Network Analytics: Application of machine learning and deep learning methods for anomaly detection, traffic classification, and attack attribution.
• Design, implement, and evaluate novel methods using real-world or simulated network data.
• Collaborate closely with other PhD researchers to integrate individual contributions into a joint system.
• Publish research results in leading international conferences and journals.
• Participate in project meetings and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Your Profile

• An above-average Master's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, IT Security, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in at least two of the following areas: network security, distributed systems, machine learning, and deep learning.
• Good understanding of network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP).
• Programming experience (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar), with proficiency in AI-driven coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex) being a key asset.
• Experience with ML/DL frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar).
• Interest in collaborative research and interdisciplinary system design.
• Excellent English communication skills; German is a plus but not required.

We Offer

• Close supervision and opportunities to author high-impact publications (USENIX Security, IEEE S&P, NDSS, or similar).
• Participation in international conferences and research networks.
• Flexible working conditions and competitive public-sector salary.
• Comprehensive support for AI-driven coding, including access to state-of-the-art AI tools to enhance your coding productivity and innovation.