PhD student in Computer Science with focus on Software Security - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Computing Science at Umeå University (www.cs.umu.se), is seeking a PhD student in Computer Science with focus on software security. The Department of Computing Science is a dynamic environment with around 130 employees from more than 20 countries worldwide. Deadline for application is April, 22, 2021. 
 
WASP 
The project is part of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. Software is the main enabler in these systems, and is an integrated research theme of the program. 

The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish industry.” 
Read more at: https://wasp-sweden.org/ 

The graduate school within WASP provides foundations, perspectives, and state-of-the-art knowledge in the different disciplines taught by leading researchers in the field. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD students, researchers and industry. It thus provides added value on top of the existing PhD programs at the partner universities, providing unique opportunities for students who are dedicated to achieving international research excellence with industrial relevance 
 
Project description  
In some situations, such as malware analysis, the code source of an application is not available.  Thus, manual reverse engineering (RE) the application is necessary.  However, this RE task can be quite time consuming.  In this PhD thesis, the student will: understand the different steps when reverse engineering an application and the anti-reverse engineering techniques put in place by, for instance, malicious actors; identify which steps can be automated and under which conditions; and design and implement algorithms to automatically perform these tasks.  

Admission requirements  
The general admission requirements for doctoral studies are a second- cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in computing science, the applicant is required to have either completed at least 90 ECTS credits in computing science, or it is permissible to have at most 20 of these credits substituted for credits in a subject considered to be directly relevant for the specialization in question (e.g., mathematics).  
Candidates are expected to have very good knowledge in programming (C, Java or Python) and an in-depth understanding of computer systems (assembly code, compilers). 
Important personal qualities are the ability to work in a team, communicate with colleagues, be disciplined, curious and creative. 
 
Terms of employment 
The position is aimed for PhD studies and research during four years, leading to a PhD exam. It is mainly devoted to postgraduate studies (at least 80% of the time), but may include up to 20% department service (usually teaching). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly (up to maximum five years). Expected starting date is August 15th or as otherwise agreed.  
The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed. 

Application 
Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University. 
A complete application should contain the following documents: 
• A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information  
• A curriculum vitae  
• Reprints / copies of completed BSc and/or MSc thesis and other relevant publications, if any  
• Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades  
• Contact information for two persons willing to act as references  
• Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences. 

The application must be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents must be in Word or pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than the 22th of April.  

The Department of Computing Science values the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage women to apply for the position. 

For additional information, please contact Professor Alexandre Bartel (alexandre.bartel@cs.umu.se). 

We look forward to receiving your application!