PhD student in Computing Science with focus on Software Lifecycle Security

To our institution, which conducts research at the highest international level and offers several high-quality educational programs in Computing Science, we are now seeking a PhD student with focus on Software Lifecycle Security.

The Department of Computing Science has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a focus on creating an inclusive and bottom-up driven research environment.  Our workplace consists of a diverse set of people from different nationalities, backgrounds and fields. As a PhD student working with us, you receive the benefits of support in career development, networking, administrative and technical support functions, along with good employment conditions. More information about the department is available at: Department-of-computing-science

Project description
Our societies rely on computer systems and on software stacks. Unfortunately, software systems contain bugs and vulnerabilities which can be exploited by malicious actors. This project will be conducted in the Software Engineering and Security (SES) group. The student will conduct an in-depth investigation of the software patching process and develop new methodologies to improve it. The project aims at reducing the negative impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability of software systems. Additional context specific constraints such as sensitive devices running in a medical environment could be considered.

Keywords for this project: code analysis, static analysis, reverse engineering, defense mechanisms, vulnerability detection, exploit mitigation techniques, scalability, software systems, software quality, malware, computer security, fuzzing, software testing.

The project is funded by Cybercampus and Umeå University and has Region Västerbotten and KTH as partners.

Cybercampus Sweden is a Swedish national initiative that conducts agile and cutting-edge research, innovation and education in cybersecurity and cyber defence beyond what is possible for a single university, institute, government agency or company. Read more via this link: Cybercampus

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 be admitted to doctoral studies in the field of computer science, the applicant must have completed courses totaling at least 90 higher education credits in computer science or in subjects directly relevant to the specific specialization.

Candidates are expected to have a genuine interest in computer security, a very good knowledge in programming (such as in 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.

About the position
The position provides you with the opportunity to pursue PhD studies in Computing Science for four years, with the goal of achieving the degree of Doctor in Computing Science. While the position is mainly devoted to PhD studies (at least 80% of the time), it may include up to 20% department service (usually teaching). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly, resulting in a maximum of five years.

Wage placement takes place according to the established salary ladder for doctoral student employment. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

The expected starting date is April 20, 2026 or as otherwise agreed.

Application
Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University.

A complete application should contain the following documents:

• Cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Reprints / copies of completed BSc and/or MSc theses and other relevant publications, if any
• Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. If attached documents are in another original language, a translation must be included. 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 March 16, 2026.

The Department of Computing Science values gender diversity, and therefore particularly encourages women and those outside the gender binary to apply for the position.

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