Research Assistant / Post-Doctoral Researcher in Privacy and Security for Digital Spaces (Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics) University College Cork in Ireland

Join the UCC Security Research Group and the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at University College Cork as a Research Assistant or Post-Doctoral Researcher. This 12-month, full-time position is part of the Migrants’ Digital Spaces (MIGDIS) project, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on technology-assisted analysis of home, border, and belonging. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in privacy and security for online digital spaces, with a particular emphasis on communities that connect people across countries and those tied to specific locations, such as city-based forums.

Your research will involve investigating privacy risks, including de-anonymisation attacks, and developing countermeasures using advanced techniques such as differential privacy and cryptographic protocols. The project encourages close collaboration with social scientists and other stakeholders, ensuring that technical solutions are informed by societal and ethical considerations. You will have opportunities to publish in leading venues, participate in dissemination activities like European Researchers’ Night, and help shape privacy-preserving technologies for online communities.

The Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics is a national centre funded by Science Foundation Ireland, bringing together over 400 researchers from Ireland’s leading ICT clusters, including University College Dublin, NUI Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University, and other partner institutions. The centre focuses on next-generation data analytics technologies across domains such as Health and Human Performance, Smart Communities, Internet of Things, Enterprise and Services, and Sustainability and Operations.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Computer Science or a related discipline, or be near completion (in which case appointment will be at research assistant level). A strong track record in cyber security and privacy research, with relevant publications, is required. Experience in privacy enhancing technologies, differential privacy, anonymity, re-identification, and/or cryptography is essential. Previous interdisciplinary project experience is an asset. Excellent English language skills are mandatory.

The position offers a competitive salary: €33,291 - €43,372 per annum (Research Assistant Scale) or €46,306 - €52,863 per annum (Post-Doctoral Scale), funded by SFI through the Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics. The role is based at University College Cork, providing access to vibrant national and international collaborations.

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/) before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on December 19th, 2025. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Paolo Palmieri ([email protected]). UCC is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.