Doctoral Researcher in Human-Computer Interaction

About this position

About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust ( SnT ) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.

We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

We offer a fully funded PhD student position within the TruX Research Group headed by Prof. Dr. Tegawendé F. Bissyandé. The focus of this position is in the development of tools to improve end-user education and detection of social engineering attempts generated by AI systems, including emails, voice messages, online websites, and images, as well as methods for using AI to develop social engineering attempts. This project combines human subject research of learning and decision making, Human-Computer Interaction, and the advancement in AI methods for applications in cybersecurity contexts.

TruX conducts research in software security, software repair, and explainable software to create key practical solutions for developers, allowing them to achieve trustworthiness, efficiency, and transparency. Application areas include FinTech, embedded systems (e.g., mobile), business or entertainment systems, cybersecurity, and more. For more information, you may refer to https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/trux/ .

Your role

• Conduct cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
• Design, implement, and run studies in human subjects research to better understand how humans interact with AI systems in the design and detection of social engineering attempts
• Contribute to national and international research collaborations
• Prepare project deliverables and disseminate results through high-quality scientific publications
• Present research findings at leading international conferences and workshops
• Participate in the supervision and mentoring of MSc and BSc students working on related topics
• Support the organization of relevant demonstrations, shared tasks, and workshops

Your profile

• The candidate should hold a Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Cognitive Science, Data Science, or a closely related field
• Solid background in machine learning and cybersecurity
• Interest or prior experience in phishing identification, anti-phishing training, automated phishing generation, or automated software engineering
• Experience with human subjects research, statistics, data collection, annotation, or resource creation is a plus
• Proficiency in at least one major programming language, such as Python, is expected
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks and modern NLP toolkits is an advantage
• Motivation to publish research results in leading international conferences and journals

Academic Eligibility (Thesis): Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates .

Important Note: Due to the specific requirements for this position and due to the constraints of the project, please note that we are only able to consider applicants from EU EEA/EFTA countries, or NATO nations, or NATO Indo-Pacific Partners (Australia, Japan, Rep South Korea, New Zealand), and Ukraine.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Transcripts of all modules and results from university-level courses (Bachelor's and Master's degrees)

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

The University of Luxembourg is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff. Should candidates present equivalent profiles, preference will be given to female candidates in all departments where gender parity is not yet achieved.

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.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08379

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 44531 (full time).