PhD in Secure Digital Twins and Cyber-Physical System Emulation for Critical Infrastructure Cyber Ranges Nottingham Trent University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD opportunity at Nottingham Trent University focuses on the development of secure digital twins and cyber-physical system emulation frameworks for critical infrastructure, including energy, transport, and industrial control systems. Hosted within the School of Science & Technology, the project leverages the Hybrid Cyber Range, a state-of-the-art testbed for safe, repeatable experimentation on cyber threats, system interdependencies, and attack impacts. The research aims to advance the realism and safety of digital twin and emulation techniques, supporting both academic inquiry and industry resilience assessment.

As a PhD student, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary supervisory team comprising Dr. Tawfik Al-Hadhrami, Dr. Ali Sadiq, Dr. Omprakash Kaiwartya, Dr. David Brown, and Dr. Abdallah Naser. The project is lab-based and offers opportunities for collaboration with external funders, providing access to cutting-edge research equipment and facilities. You will contribute to the development of secure frameworks that enable rigorous, ethical experimentation on complex cyber-physical systems, with a focus on critical infrastructure protection.

The position is fully funded through an externally supported research project, covering a monthly stipend, tuition fees, travel for conferences, and full access to the Cyber Range testbed. Applicants should have a strong background in computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated interest or experience in cyber security, digital twins, or critical infrastructure systems. Analytical, programming, and research skills are highly valued, and English language proficiency is required.

The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via the Nottingham Trent University portal, submitting a CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter detailing their suitability and motivation for the project. For further information, refer to the official FindAPhD project page or contact the supervisory team for informal inquiries.