Muoi Tran

Chalmers University of Technology is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to develop secure foundations for distributed artificial intelligence systems. The project addresses AI training, inference, and AI agents operating across wide-area networks where no single party controls the infrastructure and where network-based threats can undermine system correctness. The researcher will establish an independent research line within defense-driven distributed AI security. The work will model network adversaries, design protocols and architectures that remain correct when parts of the network are adversarial, specify precise security guarantees, and evaluate the resulting approaches through large-scale experiments on real systems. The overall goal is to advance secure-by-design distributed AI platforms. The postdoctoral researcher will join Secura Lab, led by Assistant Professor Muoi Tran, within the Division of Computer and Network Systems in Chalmers’ Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Secura Lab researches network security and the protection of infrastructure underlying modern digital systems, with work connected to security and blockchain research communities. The role combines research leadership with collaboration and mentoring. The postdoc will work closely with PhD students, contribute to teaching, supervise MSc theses, coordinate the weekly lab meeting, support students’ day-to-day research questions, and present results at international conferences while building academic and industry collaborations. The research environment includes a growing network security group and a joint Chalmers–University of Gothenburg computing department.

This fully funded PhD position at Chalmers University of Technology focuses on network security, with a special emphasis on the challenges posed by distributed systems such as blockchain and Web3 infrastructures. The project aims to investigate novel network-layer threats, analyze protocol-level vulnerabilities, and develop robust defenses to enhance the security and resilience of next-generation decentralized systems. Candidates interested in exploring how decentralized applications and emerging Web3 technologies introduce new attack surfaces are particularly encouraged to apply. The position is based in the Secura Lab, led by Assistant Professor Muoi Tran, within the Division for Computer Network and Systems at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Secura Lab is dedicated to advancing network security research and has a strong publication record in top-tier security and blockchain conferences. The lab values a healthy work-life balance and offers a dynamic, international research environment. The research project will cover the development of secure communication protocols, analysis of vulnerabilities in peer-to-peer and consensus mechanisms, and the design of scalable defense strategies that preserve privacy and security guarantees. The candidate will contribute both theoretical insights and practical tools to strengthen decentralized infrastructures. Other research interests in network security are also welcome. Chalmers University of Technology is a leading institution in Sweden, known for its excellence in engineering, science, and technology. The university offers a vibrant academic environment, extensive collaborations with academia and industry, and a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. Doctoral students at Chalmers are employees and enjoy comprehensive benefits, including generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, and healthcare. Swedish language courses are available for international students. Applicants must hold a Master's degree (120 credits) or a Master’s degree (60 credits) in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. For students educated outside Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted. Strong English communication skills, excellent grades in relevant courses, and strong programming abilities are required. Familiarity with decentralized or distributed systems is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate self-motivation, attention to detail, analytical ability, and a collaborative attitude. Physical presence in Sweden is required throughout the study period, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the start date. The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20% and extend to five years. The starting salary is 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025). Applications must be submitted online by May 15, 2026, including CV, personal letter, motivation, thesis, and transcripts as PDF files. Incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Muoi Tran at [email protected]. Apply using the online form provided in the job advertisement.