Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in ICT

University of Agder; Grimstad; On-site; NOK 600,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training to publish in top journals

Professional development

International collaborations

Diversity-friendly environment

Modern facilities and welfare offers

Job summary

The University of Agder invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow focusing on information and cyber-physical system security for critical energy infrastructure. The role involves developing cyber-defense solutions, working with operators in the electricity grid region, and preparing proposals and publications with an international collaboration focus.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1352, with NOK 600000 – 650000 gross per

Qualifications

• PhD degree in engineering & sciences, computer and control systems engineering, or a similar field.
• English proficiency as required by NOKUT guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct post-doctoral research focusing on information and CPS security in the energy sector to support reliability and resilience of electrical grid infrastructure.
• Develop robust cyber-defense solutions using advanced monitoring and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds.

Skills

CPS security

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Anomaly detection

Stealthy attacks

Code/data injection

Simulation & modeling

Education

PhD in engineering or related field

Tools

HIL testbeds

SCADA

Job description

The energy infrastructure is one of the most complex and critical infrastructures, as other sectors depend upon it to deliver their essential services. Therefore, unavailability in supply of energy has a high potential impact on the economy and proper functioning of the civil society that can last longer than the time of the incident itself. The criticality of the energy sector and the possible high impact of cyber incidents and attacks are well understood and agreed among stakeholders. Consequently, there is an urgent need to protect energy systems to have secure energy supply. Since the energy sector is under continuous change digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the sector. A smarter energy system can provide power generation, transmission, network management and market-related tasks with better precision and faster response times than a human-dependent system.

Cloud-based Operation systems or digitized transformer stations are forms of emerging solutions to support efficient electrical grid operations that utilize cloud technology. Use of IoT and AI to build a scalable platform will provide flexibility for both service providers and operational staff with incorporated security, testing capabilities and improved reliability. However, the increased efficiency resulting from digitalization of the electrical grid infrastructure comes with a price: increased exposure to cyber incidents and attacks. These threats apply to all - generation, transmission, distribution and process technologies, and to energy market services.

Unlike IT systems, a control system in the energy sector that is under attack cannot be easily disconnected from the network as this could potentially result in safety issues, and blackouts. Therefore, the anticipated Post-doctoral research focus areas will be information and cyber physical system (CPS) security and operational safety in the energy sector to support reliability and resilience of electrical grid infrastructure against cyber-attacks, such as false data injection. By utilizing advanced monitoring and detection systems and hardware in the loop (HIL) testbeds, the candidate will work to develop robust cyber-defense solutions for critical infrastructure protection.

Required qualifications

• PhD degree in engineering & sciences, computer and control systems engineering, or a similar/related field.
• Simulation and modeling for industrial systems.
• Written and spoken English proficiency. International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better:
  • TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paper-based Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)
  • IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5
• Technical expertise in the following areas:
  • Background in CPS systems’ security
  • Strong programming skills, especially in Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++.
  • Physics-informed methods
  • Anomaly detection in CPS
  • Stealthy attacks
  • Code, data, or command injection
• Experience in operational technology, e.g., SCADA systems, autonomous systems.
• Experience in electric power engineering (elkraft).
• Experience in cybersecurity incident management.
• Experience in machine learning/artificial intelligence methods.
• Experience in simulation and modeling.
• Prior experience in project managing.
• Prior experience in writing research proposals.
• Reviewer in conferences/journals inengineering & sciences, computer and control systems engineering, ICT, computer science or a similar/related field.

Applicants will be assessed on the basis of academic background and results, attainment, and any previous research and development work.

Finally, the research work will involve operators in critical infrastructure and accessing critical infrastructure information, as the candidate will be offered a 20% (part-time) position at the electricity grid operator in the region. Thus, it is subject to the National Security Act, and the candidate must be able to pass a background check and must be able to obtain security clearance and authorization. (See DEKSA )

Personal suitability, good teamwork and communication skills, inventiveness, and a proactive approach will be emphasized in the evaluation as well as relevant practical experience. The Post-doctoral Research Fellow will be expected to contribute to an active research community that promotes the personal and professional growth of the doctoral candidate. The position places great demands on the applicant’s capacity for independent goal-oriented work, ability to concentrate and attention to detail.

We offer

• Training to publish in the top journals and conferences in the covered areas.
• Professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organization
• International collaborations with industrial partners
• A positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
• Modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1352 Post-Doctoral Research Fellow,NOK 600000 – 650 000 gross salary per year. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants.A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organizational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointments are made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.

A background check may be conducted to verify information that appears in available documents. Background checks are always done with the applicant's consent, and employment in the position requires an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.