Doctoral student in Computer Science - Cybersecurity

Karlstad University; Sweden; On-site; SEK 328,025 - 392,910; Full time

Job summary

Karlstad University is inviting applications for a Doctoral student position in Computer Science specializing in Cybersecurity. This four-year full-time doctoral studentship supports research on cybersecurity in AI-driven systems, exploring novel risks and adaptive mechanisms. Candidates should possess a strong cybersecurity background and a solid understanding of relevant technologies.

The program consists of courses and an independent research project concluding with a doctoral degree. Initial monthly salary is SEK 32,300.

Qualifications

• Strong background in cybersecurity. Must demonstrate ability to benefit from the programme.
• Experience or knowledge in AI and robotics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on cybersecurity for embodied AI.
• Explore risks and opportunities in AI-driven systems.

Skills

Cybersecurity background

System security

Network security

AI/ML security

Education

Second-cycle qualification or equivalent

Tools

Robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS)

Embedded systems security

Job description

Doctoral student in Computer Science – Cybersecurity

Örebro University and the School of Science and Technology are looking for one doctoral student for the doctoral programme in Computer Science, concluding with a doctoral degree.

Start date: Fall 2026.

The PhD student will belong to the graduate school within the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). WASP is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems.

The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to providing the skills needed to analyze, develop, and contribute to the interdisciplinary area of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software.

The PhD student will be affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and will carry on research within the field of cybersecurity for embodied AI.

While cybersecurity threats in AI are often studied in software‑based environments, the physical embodiment of AI in robots and autonomous systems introduces new, largely unexplored risks and opportunities. This PhD project will investigate:

• How embodiment and physical configuration affect the cybersecurity posture of AI‑driven systems;
• The role of self‑awareness in security, i.e., how robots can assess their own vulnerabilities based on their embodiment and operational state;
• How dynamic reconfiguration can enhance resilience, e.g., redistributing sensor reliance, modifying behaviour, or adjusting control strategies in response to attacks.

Rather than relying solely on traditional security mechanisms, this research aims to explore how AI systems can proactively evaluate their own weak points and autonomously adapt to mitigate security risks.

Supervision: The doctoral student will be supervised by Dr. Alberto Giaretta (primary) and Professor Mauro Conti (secondary).

The programme and the doctoral studentship

The doctoral programme consists of courses and an independent research project that you will present in a doctoral thesis. The programme concludes with a doctoral degree and comprises 240 credits, corresponding to four years of full‑time study.

The place on the programme is linked to a full‑time doctoral studentship for the duration of the study programme, corresponding to four years of full‑time study. The initial salary for a doctoral studentship is SEK 32,300 a month.

Entry requirements and selection

Applicants are required to meet both general entry requirements and specific entry requirements, and must demonstrate the ability required to benefit from the programme.

General entry requirements include having a second‑cycle qualification, or having satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits were awarded in the second‑cycle, or having acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

Specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in Computer Science require a second‑cycle qualification from a programme within the subject field or related subjects, or at least 240 credits of which 60 were awarded in the second‑cycle, or substantially equivalent knowledge.

A successful applicant should:

• Have a strong background in cybersecurity, with knowledge of system security, network security, or AI/ML security;
• Have a passion for cybersecurity research in advanced and futuristic topics, and for interdisciplinary work at the intersection of AI, robotics, and cybersecurity.

Familiarity with autonomous systems, AI/ML‑driven decision‑making, and experience with robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS) and/or embedded systems security are valuable assets, but not strict requirements.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities, gender equality, and a work environment characterised by openness, trust, and respect. We value the diversity that users add to our operations.

Job details

Title: Doctoral student in Computer Science – Cybersecurity

Application deadline: 3 August 2026