Erisa Karafili
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5 months ago
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Fully Funded PhD in Secure and Trustworthy AI for Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystems University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fully funded IDLA EPSRC studentship with an industrial partner. Covers tuition fees and provides an enhanced stipend above the UKRI minimum, plus a generous allowance for travel, equipment, and laboratory consumables. Includes an industrial placement with a global automotive manufacturer.
Deadline
Expired
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
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About this position
Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in Secure and Trustworthy AI for Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystems.
This project sits at the intersection of computer science, cyber security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics/autonomous vehicles. The research will develop AI-enhanced threat-modelling techniques to improve the cybersecurity and resilience of autonomous vehicle systems. Topics include adversarial attacks, data poisoning, sensor manipulation, model interference, formal multi-dimensional threat modelling, AI-driven threat intelligence, anomaly detection, and mitigation strategies for safety-critical systems.
The project is supervised by Dr Erisa Karafili, Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, whose research interests include formal methods for security problems, cyber attack attribution and investigation, and threat models for IoT devices and hybrid systems.
Funding is an IDLA EPSRC studentship with an industrial partner. It is fully funded, including tuition fees and an enhanced stipend above the UKRI minimum, plus support for travel, equipment, and laboratory consumables. The project also includes an industrial placement with a global automotive manufacturer.
Eligibility is restricted to UK and Horizon Europe students only. Applicants should have a first-class honours degree or equivalent in cyber security, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, or a closely related discipline. Strong programming skills, a solid background in cyber security and AI/ML, and interest in autonomous vehicles and safety-critical systems are required; experience with adversarial machine learning is desirable.
Deadline: 19 June 2026. Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found, so early application is encouraged.
How to apply: use the University of Southampton PhD application portal, choose Research / 2026/27 / Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, select PhD Computer Science (7089), and add the supervisor name in section 2. Submit a research proposal, CV, two academic references, transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable.
Funding details
Fully funded IDLA EPSRC studentship with an industrial partner. Covers tuition fees and provides an enhanced stipend above the UKRI minimum, plus a generous allowance for travel, equipment, and laboratory consumables. Includes an industrial placement with a global automotive manufacturer.
What's required
Applicants must have a UK first-class honours degree or international equivalent in cyber security, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, or a closely related discipline. Essential skills include excellent programming ability (e.g. Python, C++ or similar), a strong background in cyber security including threat modelling and secure systems, a solid understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and strong interest in autonomous vehicles and safety-critical systems. Experience with adversarial machine learning or security of AI-enabled systems is desirable. The opportunity is open to UK and Horizon Europe students only.
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Professors
Associate Professor
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Cybersecurity
Supply Chain Management
Farming Systems
Resiliency
Hybrid Systems
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.