Junior Researcher Network & Systems Engineering Cyber Security

Werken Bij Hogescholen; Den Haag; Hybrid; EUR 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End-of-year bonus (8.3%)

Extensive leave

NS Business card or mileage allowance

Job summary

The Hague University of Applied Sciences invites applications for a Junior Researcher in Network & Systems Engineering Cyber Security. You will join a vibrant research group focusing on AI-based pentesting, cyber resilient infrastructures, and autonomous systems, under the supervision of a senior researcher.

The role emphasizes practical problem solving, international collaboration, and bridging practice, research and education.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree completed, or close to completion, in cybersecurity, computer science, software engineering or related technical field.
• Basic to intermediate programming skills, preferably in Python; Java or scripting is an advantage.
• Foundation in cybersecurity: network and system security, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, secure software or security architectures.
• Some knowledge of AI, machine learning, large language models or AI agents—or a strong interest in learning how these technologies can be applied in cybersecurity.
• Familiarity with Linux and networking; experience with tools such as Nmap, OpenVAS, Kali Linux, Docker or version-control systems is an advantage.
• Interest in autonomous systems, robotics, drones, embedded/connected systems or simulation is an advantage, but is not essential.
• Ability to work systematically, critically assess technical results, document experiments, and communicate findings clearly.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to work with students, researchers, and external partners in an international, practice-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research under supervision of a senior researcher in the Network & Systems Engineering Cyber Security group.
• Contribute to International collaborative research and partnership programs with internal and external public and private partners involved.
• Support in the research programs the efforts of student assistants and student assignments to fit the program needs.
• Contributes to internal and external communication for the dissemination of research results for the benefit of the professional field and education.
• Contributing to the definition of future research programs with close involvement of AI experts and senior researchers.

Skills

Python

Linux

Nmap

OpenVAS

Kali Linux

Docker

AI basics

Research methods

Education

Master's degree in cybersecurity / related field

Tools

Nmap

OpenVAS

Kali Linux

Docker

Job description

Junior Researcher Network & Systems Engineering Cyber Security

Do you have an affinity for research in cyber security for Network & Systems Engineering for agentic AI pentesting, cyber resilient systems or autonomous systems? And are you a researcher with an education completed at master level with a specialization in cyber security, combined with international and industrial experience? Then we’re looking for you!

For the Network & Systems Engineering Cyber Security research group, we are looking for a junior researcher. The research group is part of the Centre of Expertise Cyber Security at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
Read more about Centre of Expertise Cyber Security.

What does the work of a Junior Researcher Cyber Security look like?
As a researcher within the Centre of Expertise Cyber Security, you’re closely involved in the execution of various International and National research projects on cyber security with a strong technical focus. This includes projects on AI-based pentesting, cyber resilient infrastructures and autonomous systems and requires demonstrated skills in the areas of offensive security, architecture and security of systems, networks and applications. Under the supervision of a senior researcher, you will perform research activities in your technical field of expertise with the aim to improve the effectiveness of offensive security methods, defensive techniques for countering cyber-attacks and reducing attack surface. The candidate is expected to be able to conduct scientific research and has experience with international and industrial working environments. In addition, the candidate forms the link between practice, research, and education.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research under supervision of a senior researcher in the Network & Systems Engineering Cyber Security group;
• Contribute to International collaborative research and partnership programs with internal and external public and private partners involved;
• Support in the research programs the efforts of student assistants and student assignments to fit the program needs;
• Contributes to internal and external communication for the dissemination of research results for the benefit of the professional field and education;
• Contributing to the definition of future research programs with close involvement of AI experts and senior researchers.

What do we expect from you?

We are looking for a curious and analytical early-career researcher who enjoys practical problemsolving, can work collaboratively and is motivated to learn. You do not need to be an expert in both agentic AI and autonomous systems; a relevant foundation, some initial knowledge and a willingness to develop are important.

• A completed master’s degree, or close to completion, in cybersecurity, computer science, software engineering or a related technical field.
• Basic to intermediate programming skills, preferably in Python. Experience with Java or scripting is an advantage.
• A foundation in cybersecurity, such as network and system security, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, secure software or security architectures.
• Some knowledge of AI, machine learning, large language models or AI agents—or a strong interest in learning how these technologies can be applied in cybersecurity.
• Familiarity with Linux and networking; experience with tools such as Nmap, OpenVAS, Kali Linux, Docker or version-control systems is an advantage.
• An interest in autonomous systems, robotics, drones, embedded/connected systems or simulation is an advantage, but is not essential.
• The ability to work systematically, critically assess technical results, document experiments, and communicate findings clearly.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to work with students, researchers, and external partners in an international, practice-oriented environment.

The following are considered advantages, not strict requirements:

• Participation in Capture the Flag (CTF) exercises or cybersecurity competitions.
• Experience with MCP (Model Context Protocol), agent frameworks, AI-tool integrations or automated security workflows.
• Experience with vulnerability management, risk prioritisation, reporting or responsible human-inthe-loop AI workflows.
• Experience with autonomous or robotic systems, UAVs/drones, simulation environments, or cyberphysical systems.
• Experience with scientific research, technical reports, publications, or collaboration with industry.

This is what you can expect from us

First and foremost, it's important that you are able to enjoy your work. In addition, we offer you:

• A temporary appointment of 1,0 fte, 40 hours per week, for one year.
• A salary between € 3.667,97 and € 5.154,67 gross per month (scale 9) for a full-time work week.
• Guaranteed end-of-year pay of 8,3%.
• An extensive leave arrangement.
• The choice between an NS Business card (2nd class) for your commutes or a kilometer based compensation.

A safe, and professional working environment is imperative to The Hague University of Applied Sciences, both internally and externally. Therefore, for employees joining our organization, it is a standard requirement to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG). A VOG is a certificate, that can be requested by anyone residing in the Netherlands with a Citizen Service Number (BSN), confirming that there is no evidence of past behavior by the employee that might present obstacles to fulfilling their new role at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Working at THUAS

If you work at THUAS, you work at one of the most dynamic and open organisation in the City of Peace and Justice. Together with 2,500 colleagues, you help 26,000 students from over 120 countries to prepare for a promising future in a world that changes every day. We do this by growing and evolving along with the world and the wishes of our students. We work together intensively with colleagues, with students and in the professional field. Furthermore, we look ahead, we are critical, and we stand in the middle of society.

Diversity, inclusiveness and equality are at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the composition of the student and staff population to reflect the society in which we work, and we want to offer everyone equal opportunities. We realise that this requires constant attention. We invest in this ourselves, and we would like you to help us with this.