PhD Position in Quantitative Cyber Risk in Healthcare

Healthcare Marketing; Augsburg; Hybrid; EUR 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Augsburg invites applications for a PhD researcher in Quantitative Cyber Risk in Healthcare. The role focuses on modeling cyber-related disruptions, estimating probability and impact, and translating evidence into risk measures for preparedness and response.

The project collaborates with the IDM and clinical partners, offering a full-time research position with potential for doctoral progression and international dissemination of results.

Qualifications

• Excellent Master's degree with a quantitative focus in finance, financial mathematics, actuarial science, economics, statistics, operations research, data science, mathematics or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills and a sound foundation in probability, statistics and quantitative modelling; econometric skills are welcome.
• Experience or a strong interest in risk measurement, stochastic modelling, Monte Carlo simulation, dependence modelling or analysis of rare and severe events.
• Programming experience, preferably in Python or R, and an interest in reproducible empirical and simulation-based research.
• Interest in healthcare and cyber risks; initiative and the ability to work independently and across disciplines.
• Very good written and spoken English; German is desirable but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop statistical and stochastic models to estimate the likelihood and severity of cyber-related disruptions, accounting for uncertainty and limited incident data.
• Quantify operational, patient-safety and economic consequences, and develop interpretable risk measures for healthcare organizations.
• Analyse dependencies and cascading disruptions across clinical processes and healthcare providers using simulation, scenario analysis and stress testing.
• Evaluate risk-reduction measures and their costs and benefits; implement reproducible research software and publish scientific results.
• Collaborate with clinical and IT partners at University Hospital Augsburg and academic partners; present research at conferences and contribute to teaching

Skills

Statistical modelling

Monte Carlo simulation

Python or R

Interdisciplinary collaboration

English writing

Education

Master's degree in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

Job description

PhD Position in Quantitative Cyber Risk in Healthcare

• 12.10.26

The Institute for Digital Medicine / IT Security Concepts in Medicine at the University Hospital Augsburg (UKA) is looking for a PhD researcher (m/f/d) in a full-time position.

Digital technologies are essential to modern healthcare, but dependence on interconnected IT systems, data and digital workflows creates vulnerabilities that can affect care delivery and patient safety. The research “Quantitative Resilience, Safety and Security in Medicine” at the Institute for Digital Medicine at University Hospital Augsburg develops quantitative models and decision support to help healthcare organizations anticipate, withstand and recover from digital disruptions.

You will develop quantitative methods to measure cyber risks in healthcare by modelling the likelihood and severity of digital disruptions, their dependencies and their operational, patient-safety and economic consequences. The research will translate uncertain and incomplete evidence into risk measures and decision support for preparedness and response.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop statistical and stochastic models to estimate the likelihood and severity of cyber-related disruptions, accounting for uncertainty and limited incident data
• Quantify operational, patient-safety and economic consequences, and develop interpretable risk measures for healthcare organizations
• Analyse dependencies and cascading disruptions across clinical processes and healthcare providers using simulation, scenario analysis and stress testing
• Evaluate risk-reduction measures and their costs and benefits; implement reproducible research software and publish scientific results
• Collaborate with clinical and IT partners at University Hospital Augsburg and academic partners; present research at conferences and contribute to teaching

Your Profile

• Excellent Master's degree with a quantitative focus in finance, financial mathematics, actuarial science, economics, statistics, operations research, data science, mathematics or a related field
• Strong analytical skills and a sound foundation in probability, statistics and quantitative modelling; econometric skills are welcome
• Experience or a strong interest in risk measurement, stochastic modelling, Monte Carlo simulation, dependence modelling or analysis of rare and severe events
• Programming experience, preferably in Python or R, and an interest in reproducible empirical and simulation-based research
• Interest in healthcare and cyber risks; initiative and the ability to work independently and across disciplines
• Very good written and spoken English; German is desirable but not mandatory

What We Offer

• An interdisciplinary research environment connecting quantitative methods, digital medicine and clinical practice
• Close collaboration with clinical and research partners at University Hospital Augsburg and the University of Augsburg
• A research position with the opportunity to work towards a doctoral degree, subject to the applicable admission requirements
• Opportunities to publish internationally, present research at conferences and contribute to scientific collaborations
• Participation in the development of research software, clinical case studies and teaching in resilient digital medicine
• Remuneration up to pay grade EG 13 TV-L, depending on qualifications and professional experience, including the standard social benefits provided in the public sector (occupational pension scheme and annual special payment)

Contact

Prof. Dr. Emilia Graß
Professorship of Quantitative Resilience and Security Concepts in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg / Institute for Digital Medicine (IDM), University Hospital Augsburg (UKA)
0721/608-43983

Application Deadline

31st of October 2026

The position is suitable for people with severe disabilities. Applicants (m/f/d) with severe disabilities will be preferred if they are essentially the same aptitude, ability and professional performance. Women are invited to apply in accordance with Article 7 (3) BayGlG. When starting work at the Augsburg University Hospital, proof of sufficient immune protection in accordance with §§ 23, 23a IfSG must be presented or the same must be met.