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PhD in Computer Science: Cybersecurity and Privacy for Immersive Networked Systems Linköping University in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a salaried full-time PhD employment for normally four years, with possible extension to five years depending on teaching and institutional duties. PhD student salary follows a locally negotiated salary progression. Teaching or other departmental duties may comprise up to 20% of full-time work. Employment benefits are available through Linköping University.
Deadline
Jan 6, 2027
Country
Sweden
University
Linköping University
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About this position
Linköping University is seeking a PhD student in computer science, cybersecurity, and privacy to study next-generation immersive and networked systems. The position is part of SENSE-VR, an international collaboration involving Linköping University and partners in the United States that develops efficient, secure, and privacy-preserving multi-user virtual reality systems.
Modern virtual reality platforms collect and exchange sensitive data such as head movements, eye gaze, hand gestures, and other user interactions. These data can expose identities and personal attributes even when communications are encrypted, while observable traffic patterns may reveal user behavior. The PhD project addresses these challenges while seeking to preserve system responsiveness, functionality, and user experience.
The research will combine cybersecurity, privacy-enhancing technologies, machine learning, computer networking, and performance-aware system design. Potential directions include investigating privacy leakage from motion and gaze data; developing client-side defenses; analyzing traffic patterns and designing practical privacy-preserving communication methods; using approaches such as homomorphic encryption for secure processing on edge and cloud servers; and optimizing privacy, latency, and resource use across devices, edge infrastructure, and cloud systems.
The student will design and analyze novel methods, implement prototypes, and conduct experimental evaluations. The work includes collaboration with researchers in Sweden and internationally, including United States-based partners, and opportunities to publish in leading international conferences and journals.
The student will join the Cybersecurity Division at Linköping University's Department of Computer and Information Science. The division brings together research in cybersecurity, privacy, computer networking, performance evaluation, multimedia systems, and applied data analytics, using both theoretical and experimental approaches. The PhD student will work under the supervision of Professor Niklas Carlsson alongside doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior researchers in a supportive and internationally recognized environment.
The position offers a research-focused doctoral experience with opportunities to develop independence, collaborate with academic and industrial partners, and contribute to high-quality research in secure immersive and networked computing.
Funding details
This is a salaried full-time PhD employment for normally four years, with possible extension to five years depending on teaching and institutional duties. PhD student salary follows a locally negotiated salary progression. Teaching or other departmental duties may comprise up to 20% of full-time work. Employment benefits are available through Linköping University.
What's required
Applicants must have graduated at Master's level in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, or completed at least 240 credits including at least 60 advanced credits in a relevant field. Applicants currently completing a Master's degree, including the thesis, may apply if the eligibility requirements are fulfilled before the employment decision. A solid technical background, good analytical and programming skills, an interest in cybersecurity and privacy research, and good written and spoken English are required. Experience in cybersecurity, privacy, network security, machine learning, data analysis, statistical modeling, algorithm design, computer networks, distributed systems, performance evaluation, practical system development, experimental measurements, research-oriented programming, or privacy-enhancing technologies is advantageous. Applicants should be curious, motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively, and interested in developing research skills. The application must include an approximately one-page motivation statement describing interest, relevant technical experience, and preferred research aspects.
How to apply
Apply through Linköping University's online application portal using the Apply button. Submit the application and required documents, including an approximately one-page motivation statement, by January 6, 2027.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.