PhD Position in Quantitative Cyber Risk in Healthcare

Universitätsklinikum Augsburg; Augsburg; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Doctoral degree opportunity

Competitive salary EG 13 TV-L

Public sector benefits

Job summary

Universitätsklinikum Augsburg invites applications for a PhD researcher (m/f/d) in a full-time role within the Institute for Digital Medicine / IT Security Concepts in Medicine. The project focuses on quantitative resilience, safety and security in medicine, developing models to measure cyber risks in healthcare and translating imperfect evidence into practical risk metrics and decision support.

You will work on stochastic modelling, Monte Carlo methods, and scenario analyses, collaborating with

Qualifications

• Master's degree with quantitative focus (finance, statistics, mathematics)
• Strong analytical skills in probability, statistics and modelling
• Experience or interest in risk measurement and stochastic modelling
• Programming in Python or R and reproducible research
• English proficiency; German desirable

Responsibilities

• Develop statistical and stochastic models to estimate likelihood and severity of cyber-related disruptions
• Quantify operational, patient-safety and economic consequences and derive risk measures
• Analyse dependencies and cascading disruptions across clinical processes using simulations
• Evaluate risk-reduction measures and document reproducible software and results
• Collaborate with clinical and IT partners and present research at conferences

Skills

Python or R

Statistical modelling

Risk measurement

Monte Carlo simulation

Dependence modelling

Econometrics

Analytical skills

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree (quantitative)

Tools

Python

R

Job description

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 healthcareproviders 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

We look forward to you!

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.