CyberDOME: Adaptive Moving Target Defence for Securing Critical Service in 6G Networks (PhD Studentship) Aston University in United Kingdom

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship at Aston University, Birmingham, UK, within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the Research Centre for Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust. The successful candidate will join an established experimental group working on Adaptive Moving Target Defence (MTD) for securing critical services in 6G networks. The project addresses the increasing sophistication and impact of cyber-attacks in the AI era, aiming to develop innovative defense strategies using AI to balance the tools available for the defense ecosystem.

The research focuses on several challenges, including the impracticality of manually managing moving targets in large-scale environments, identifying system components that can be diversified without breaking functionality, ensuring consistent communication between moving targets, quantifying the effectiveness of MTD techniques, integrating MTD with traditional security measures, and managing the resource consumption of frequent reconfigurations. The project aims to deliver a cutting-edge MTD technology that continuously changes and randomizes system components and configurations, creating a shifting attack surface that complicates exploitation for attackers. By increasing system complexity and uncertainty, MTD seeks to lengthen the attack lifetime, reduce successful exploits, and improve threat detection and response.

This PhD project will design and develop a novel MTD solution for 6G-enabled services and applications, proactively identifying and mitigating threats, vulnerabilities, and cyber-attacks where both attackers and victims are continuously moving across the network. Objectives include analyzing the state of the art in MTD and threats related to 6G infrastructures, designing and implementing techniques for tracking users within network infrastructure, deploying mechanisms for continuous-moving-aware mitigation of cyber-attacks, and applying the integrated system to a real-world cyber-threat use case.

Applicants should have a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with First Class or 2.1, or a Bachelors and Masters degree with Merit or higher. Equivalent international qualifications are accepted. Essential skills include good coding ability and basic knowledge of IP networking. The studentship covers tuition fees and provides an annual maintenance allowance. The position is based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, with regular in-person visits required. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams.

To apply, submit a complete application including transcripts, certificates, research statement, personal statement, CV, two academic references, evidence of English language proficiency, and a copy of your passport. Applications missing documents will be rejected. For formal enquiries, contact Dr. Sourav Saha ([email protected]) or Prof. Jose M Alcaraz Calero ([email protected]). For application process queries, contact [email protected]. The application deadline is April 1, 2026.