Applications are invited for an exciting research internship in software systems and security with the MadriSec group (GitHub) at the IMDEA Software Institute. The selected candidate will work closely with Prof. Georgios Portokalidis on a system that automatically derives sound system call-filtering policies for Docker containers.
The intern will work at the intersection of operating systems, binary analysis, Python application introspection, and security, building analyses and tools with real-world impact. The internship has a minimum duration of 6 months, and outstanding interns will be encouraged to apply for a fully funded PhD position.
Responsibilities include enhancing the current tools, extending them to correctly support containers hosting Python applications, and experimentally evaluating them with real containers.
Applicants must possess:
For students that are currently enrolled in an MSc program, the internship topic can serve as your Master’s thesis (with advisor coordination).
Ranked among Europe’s leading research institutes in Computer Security, IMDEA Software offers:
Start date: asap.
Application deadline: 13 February 2026.
Applications are reviewed immediately and until the position is filled.
Submit your application at https://careers.software.imdea.org/. Choose option Intern and use reference code 2026-01-intern-dockerfilter.
The recruitment process follows IMDEA Software Institute’s OTM-R Policy (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment).
Contact Georgios Portokalidis: .
