PhD Studentships: CDT-FORT to Shape the Future of Secure Networks

Queen's University Belfast; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Northern Ireland is offering fully funded PhD studentships focused on secure networks starting in October 2026. Candidates from home fee status can apply. The program includes a tax-free stipend of approximately £31,000 and various opportunities to engage with industry partners. This role aims to drive innovation in cyber security with a handsome stipend and excellent career prospects.

Benefits

Tax-free stipend of ~£31,000

Generous training grant of up to £3,700 per year

Access to internship opportunities with industry partners

Qualifications

• Exciting opportunity to shape the future of secure networks.
• Applications open to home students only for the 2026 intake.
• Eligibility for funding is based on home fee status.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research within key themes of Cyber security and AI.
• Engage with industry partners and project stakeholders.
• Participate in additional TechExpert activities.

Education

PhD

Job description

Centre for Secure Information Technologies

Organisation/Company: Queen's University Belfast Department Centre for Secure Information Technologies Research Field: Computer science → Cybernetics Engineering → Computer engineering Engineering → Electrical engineering Computer science → Computer hardware Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions, PhD Positions Country: United Kingdom Application Deadline: 27 Feb 2026 – 17:00 (Europe/London) Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full‑time Hours Per Week: 37 Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Exciting opportunity: Join CDT‑FORT to Shape the Future of Secure Networks – fully funded studentships available for October 2026 entry – apply by Friday, 27 February 2026 to secure your place!

Due to funding restrictions, applications open to home students only for the 2026 intake – 12 places available.

We are part of the TechExpert pilot scheme, offering stipends of ~£31,000 for students eligible for home fee status.

This groundbreaking initiative funded by EPSRC brings together the world‑leading expertise of the University of Surrey and Queen's University Belfast.

Program Highlights:

• Enhanced Stipend: Fully‑funded 4‑year PhD scholarships that include a tax‑free stipend of ~£31k (equivalent to a starting salary of ~£37k in industry) alongside a generous training grant of up to £3,700 per year (Y2‑4)
• Four‑Year Structure: Year 1 features taught MSc‑Level modules across both universities to build core skills.
• Exceptional Facilities & Industry Links: Benefit from expert guidance, cutting‑edge research environments and internship opportunities with 20 industry partners including InterDigital, Codasip, BT, ESA, and more.
• Support for Diversity: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) bursaries available.
• Research Themes: Focus on one of four key themes:
  • Space/Terrestrial Comms and Security
  • Trustworthy AI for Secure Future Open Networks
  • Secure and Trustworthy Hardware
  • AI‑assisted Physical Layer Security
• Additional Enhanced Training: Leadership (CMI Level 7), Innovation, public engagement, hackathons, and more.

As global reliance on secure digital systems grows, your research will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Graduates from CDT‑FORT should enjoy outstanding employment prospects, thanks to the program’s deep connections with industry leaders.

Apply by 27th February 2026: Visit our website and apply directly to the University of your choice.

Don’t miss this chance to define your future and drive innovation in a growing field!

TechExpert students will receive an enhanced stipend of £10,000 above the UKRI minimum stipend. In return, students will be asked to take part in additional TechExpert activities for up to 10 days each year, including outreach to promote tech careers, networking with the TechFirst community and engagement with the tech industry.

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: Belfast

Funding for: ROI students for QUB or UK students for both institutions only

Address: Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland Science Park, Queen's Road, Queen's Island