Applications are invited for a PhD position in software systems and security at the IMDEA Software Institute, Madrid, Spain.
Selected candidates will work with Dr. Georgios Portokalidis and other faculty at IMDEA towards improving the security of systems software and software supply chains. The goal of the PhD will be to develop novel methodologies and systems for increasing the security of systems software, that is, software written in low-level languages like C/C++ that operates in user or kernel space. Accepted candidates will work on one or multiple of the following problems: (i) develop techniques to harden software against exploitation of vulnerabilities, (ii) isolate software components to compartmentalize execution and data, and (iii) develop hardware accelerators for security applications using FPGAs. The candidates may work on binary software or source code leveraging compilers toolchains, like Clang/LLVM.
Ideal candidates have earned (or are in their last year of) a Master’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, have a strong commitment to research, are passionate about software engineering and computer security, enjoy coding, and have some experience and interest in at least one of the areas described above.
Good programming and tool building skills are required. Successful candidates will have experience developing software in C/C++, understand how such software is exploited, have good understanding of operating systems fundamentals, are comfortable with working on Linux, and have a basic understanding of computer architectures, like x86-64 and Aarch64. Good command of English both spoken and written is also required.
The IMDEA Software Institute is ranked among the best European research institutes in the area of Computer Security (9th on csrankings.org). Located in the Montegancedo Science and Technology Park, it perfectly combines the sunny and vibrant city of Madrid with cutting edge research and an inspiring working environment.
The institute provides an internationally competitive stipend, access to an excellent public health care system, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, and support for research related travel. The working language at the institute is English. Knowledge of Spanish is not required.
The position will cover the whole duration of the doctoral studies. The ideal starting period is February 2024 with some flexibility.
Deadline for applications is December 31st, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position(s) are filled.
Applicants interested in the position should submit their application at https://careers.software.imdea.org/ selecting option “PhD Student” and using reference code 2023-09-phd-syssec.
For enquiries about the position, please contact directly Georgios Portokalidis ().
