Doctoral researcher in Metamorphic Security Testing

About us

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.

Your role

This PhD position is supported by the Competence Hub in Research in Cybersecurity and Cyber Defence (Cyber Research Hub), an initiative of the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence (DoD) in partnership with the University of Luxembourg. Also, this project will be conducted in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Competence Center (NC3). NC3's mission is to support the Luxembourg ecosystem by enhancing cybersecurity skills and capacity, thereby contributing to the growth of the country's cybersecurity industry and reinforcing the European Union's strategic autonomy.We offer an attractive doctoral position in the context of the project Metamorphic Security Testing Assisted by LLMs (MORTAL), funded by the Cyber Research Hub and in collaboration with NC3. The project objective is the definition of techniques and tools for automated vulnerability detection to (1) maximise the detection of zero-day vulnerabilities, and (2) enable continuous cybersecurity assessment of software. More specifically, the project will investigate the use of multimodal large language models and fuzzing for metamorphic security testing.

The successful candidate will join the SVV research group, headed by Prof. Domenico Bianculli, and will report to Prof. Fabrizio Pastore (principal investigator for MORTAL). The team focuses on the development and design of reliable, safe, and secure software systems, carrying out both upstream activities, such as requirements quality assurance and architecture analysis, as well as downstream verification & validation activities, primarily software testing and analysis. For further information, you may refer to https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/svv

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Carrying out research in the predefined areas
• Implementing prototype tools
• Empirically evaluating the proposed solutions and tools
• Spending time at the premises of our partner for requirements understanding, training, and in-the-field assessment of the proposed solutions
• Disseminating results through scientific publications
• Providing guidance to master and bachelor students

Your profile

• The candidate should possess a Master degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Informatics, Software Engineering or a related field
• The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and experience in a number of the following topics:

• • Software Cybersecurity
  • Software Testing and Analysis
  • Machine Learning and Large Language Models
  • Web Systems and IoT Systems

• The candidate must possess strong programming skills in Java or Python and is willing to learn all the programming languages required for the project
• The candidate should have critical thinking and teamwork skills
• Due to the specific requirements and constraints of the project, we are only able to consider applicants from EU EEA/EFTA countries, NATO Allied nations, and NATO Indo-Pacific Partners

Language Requirements:

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.

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae including :
  • For each degree received or currently enrolled in, provide the degree, institution name, institution city and country, and date (or expected date) of graduation. Include the title and short summary of your final (Bachelor / Master) Thesis if you did one
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

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.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

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: UOL07949

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).