PhD student in Computing Science with a focus on Machine Learning for Software Security

The Department of Computing Science at Umeå University is looking for a doctoral student in machine learning for software security. The position is for four years of full-time doctoral studies at the Department of Computing Science, where you will be able to work in a dynamic environment with 170 employees from more than 20 countries.

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 department 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: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-computing-science/.

Project description

Our societies rely on computer systems, and increasingly so. Unfortunately, computer systems can be the target of malicious applications—malware. These malicious applications can be complicated pieces of software developed by well organized criminal gangs or by government agencies to attack anything from private computers and smart phones to critical national infrastructures. There has been an increased interest in adapting and developing the latest machine learning methods for the purpose of malware detection, and preliminary results are encouraging. The specific goals of this project include to develop novel machine learning methods to improve malware detection.

The doctoral student position is offered within a research project financed by the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). The doctoral student will be supervised by Tommy Löfstedt, Docent and Associate Professor and head of the Machine Learning group, and Alexandre Bartel, Professor and head of the Software Engineering and Security (SES) group, both at the Department of Computing Science, Umeå University.

Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is 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, autonomous systems, and software, acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org.

The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to provide the skills needed to analyze, develop, and contribute to the interdisciplinary area of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and software. 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. Read more at: https://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school.

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 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.

A very good command of the English language is a key requirement. Documented knowledge and experience in machine learning is required; experience with natural language processing or with sequence models is a merit. Candidates are expected to have a genuine interest in computer security, and are required to have very good knowledge of programming (such as in C, Java, or Python).

Another requirement is good grades in relevant education programmes and especially in courses within machine learning and software security. The candidate must also be motivated to conduct doctoral studies within WASP.

Important personal qualities include 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.

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.

The expected starting date is June 1, 2026, or as otherwise agreed.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University (see below).

A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter that describes your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and why you are interested in the WASP doctoral school. The letter should include a (documented) and clear description of how you fulfill the specified requirements (e.g., a list of relevant courses), and should also contain your contact information.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades.
• Copies of completed BSc and/or MSc theses and other relevant publications, if any.
• Contact information to 2-3 references.
• Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents in other languages should be translated. Attached documents must be in pdf format.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than March 22, 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 Associate Professor, Docent Tommy Löfstedt (tommy.lofstedt@umu.se) or Professor Alexandre Bartel (alexandre.bartel@umu.se).

We look forward to receiving your application!