Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U), Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation, invites applications for a PhD Student position in Secure and Resilient Infrastructures. This opportunity is part of the IT:U Doctoral School’s PhD-Program COMPUTATIONAL X and is based on-site in Linz, Austria, with a start date in March 2026. The position is supervised by Professor Johanna Ullrich. The research focuses on critical infrastructures such as the Internet and the power grid, which are essential for energy, transport, and information in modern societies. The lab’s interests include gaining insights into the current state of these infrastructures through Internet measurements and Open Source Intelligence, understanding their mutual dependencies, and improving their security, privacy, and resilience. The PhD student will have the opportunity to define specific research topics in collaboration with the supervisor, tailored to their skills and interests. IT:U offers access to advanced research platforms, including a platform for active Internet measurements, and provides opportunities for networking with leading researchers and industry partners. Public engagement and outreach are encouraged, with chances to participate in debates, school visits, and media appearances. Responsibilities include conducting independent and group research, writing academic publications, attending conferences, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, assisting in academic teaching, and supporting third-party funding applications. Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong interest in secure and resilient infrastructures. A master’s degree or equivalent in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field is required. Candidates must have solid programming and data analysis skills and ideally knowledge in areas such as computer networks, information security, mathematical modeling, electromagnetism, power engineering, theoretical computer science, or economic modeling. Fluency in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent) and the ability to work independently are essential. The position offers a gross salary starting from EUR 3,714.80 per month (full-time, 40h) and includes the Austrian KlimaTicket Ö for unlimited public transportation within Austria. The structured 4-year PhD program features group work, research lab modules, project integrated courses, interdisciplinary seminars, and project assistant roles, culminating in the submission and defense of the PhD thesis. To apply, candidates should complete the online application form and upload their CV, diplomas, transcripts, motivational letter, and up to three contacts for recommendations. For questions or expressions of interest, applicants may contact Professor Johanna Ullrich at [email protected]. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Linz, Austria, is offering a full-time PhD position in Secure and Resilient Infrastructures within its Doctoral School and the PhD-Program COMPUTATIONAL X. The position is for up to 4 years, starting in March 2026, and is supervised by Professor Johanna Ullrich. IT:U is Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university focused on digital transformation for societal, economic, and environmental benefit. The research group investigates the status quo of critical infrastructures—especially the Internet and the power grid—using Internet measurements and Open Source Intelligence. The group aims to understand mutual dependencies between infrastructures and to enhance their security, privacy, and resilience. The PhD student will work collaboratively on relevant but independent research topics, tailored to their skills and interests. IT:U provides access to a platform for active Internet measurements, supporting large-scale experiments. Students benefit from strong networking opportunities with leading researchers and industry partners, both nationally and internationally. Public engagement is encouraged, with opportunities for outreach, media appearances, and participation in debates to enhance communication skills and societal impact. Responsibilities include conducting independent and group research, writing academic publications, attending conferences, collaborating across disciplines, assisting in academic teaching (up to 2 weekly credit hours), helping with third-party funding applications, and adhering to academic and ethical standards. Applicants should be highly motivated and interested in secure and resilient infrastructures. A master’s degree or equivalent in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field is required. Candidates must have solid programming and data analysis skills, and ideally knowledge in one or more of the following: computer networks, information security, mathematical modeling, electromagnetism and power engineering, theoretical computer science, or economic modeling. Independent thinking and fluency in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent) are essential. The PhD program is structured over four years, beginning with group work, research lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses (PICS), culminating in a PhD Proposal Presentation. The following years focus on thesis development, interdisciplinary seminars, and project assistant work, ending with thesis submission and defense. IT:U offers innovative working conditions in an international, interdisciplinary environment, an office kitchen with complimentary supplies, and the Austrian KlimaTicket Ö for unlimited public transportation. The gross monthly salary starts at EUR 3,714.80 (full-time, 40h). Applications are open until January 31st, 2026. To apply, fill out the online form at https://apply.it-u.at/ and upload your CV, diplomas, transcripts, motivational letter, and up to three contacts for recommendations. For questions or expressions of interest, contact Professor Johanna Ullrich at [email protected] with your CV before applying. IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.