Internship in Software Systems & Security (DockerFilter)

Applications are invited for an exciting research internship in software systems and security with the MadriSec group (GitHub) at the IMDEA Software Institute. You will work closely with Prof. Georgios Portokalidis on a system that automatically derives sound system call-filtering policies for Docker containers.

You will work at the intersection of operating systems, binary analysis, Python application introspection, and security; building analyses and tools with real-world impact. Strong interns will be invited to apply for a fully funded PhD.

Responsibilities include evolving the current tools, extending them to correctly support containers hosting Python applications, and experimentally evaluating them with real containers.

Who should apply?

Applicants must possess:

• strong, demonstrable programming and tool-building skills (we ask that you provide links to repos, tools, compilers, projects, etc.).
• experience in three or more of:
  • the Docker ecosystem (containerisation, images, runtimes).
  • binary analysis tools (e.g., Angr, IDA, Egalito, Binary Ninja, etc.)
  • Python (application analysis, instrumentation, or packaging).
  • Linux syscall filtering (e.g., seccomp, eBPF, LSM).
• a genuine passion for software security and systems research.
• a BSc or MSc degree in Computer Science (or related) completed within the last three years (two years for non-EU citizens).

For students that are currently enrolled in an MSc program, the internship topic can serve as your Master’s thesis (with advisor coordination).

Why IMDEA Software?

Ranked among Europe’s leading research institutes in Computer Security, IMDEA offers:

• A collaborative, international environment in Madrid’s Montegancedo Science & Technology Park.
• Competitive salary, excellent public healthcare, unemployment and retirement benefits.
• Travel support for research.
• English as the working language (no Spanish required).

Dates

Start date: January 12, 2026 or earlier (by agreement)

Application deadline: 27 October 2025.

Applications are reviewed immediately and until the position is filled.

How to apply?

Applicants interested in the position should submit their application at https://careers.software.imdea.org/. Choose option Intern and use reference code 2025-09-intern-dockerfilter.

The recruitment process follows IMDEA Software Institute’s OTM-R Policy (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment).

Questions?

Contact Georgios Portokalidis: .