Postdoctoral 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

We offer an attractive research associate position in the context of the project Metamorphic Security Testing Assisted by LLMs (MORTAL), which 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.

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, such as software testing and runtime verification. For further information, you may refer to

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

• Carrying out research in the predefined areas
• Managing and contributing to national and international research projects
• Preparing project deliverables
• Disseminating results through scientific publications
• Presenting results in well-known international conferences and workshops
• Implementing proof-of-concept solutions
• Providing guidance to PhD, MSc, and BSc students
• Organizing relevant workshops and demonstrations
• Contributing to the acquisition of research funding

Your profile

• The candidate should possess a PhD degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field
• The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and experience in the following topics:
• Software Cybersecurity
• Software Testing and Analysis
• Machine Learning and Multimodal Large Language Models
• Web Systems and IoT Systems
• The candidate should have critical thinking and team working skills
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required
• The candidate should demonstrate interest in publishing in high-ranked software security and software engineering conferences and journals

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.

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:

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 12 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07951

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).