Doctoral student in Network Security

This PhD project covers a broad range of research topics in network security, with priority given to candidates interested in the network-layer security challenges of distributed systems like blockchain. Although the project is not limited to such distributed ledger technologies, applicants aiming to explore how decentralized applications and emerging Web3 infrastructures introduce new and often unexplored attack surfaces are especially encouraged. Potential research directions include uncovering novel network-based threats, analyzing protocol-level vulnerabilities, and developing effective defenses to strengthen the security and resilience of next-generation systems.

About Us

The department of Computer Science and Engineering is strongly international, with approximately 300 employees from over 30 countries. The department is a fully integrated department with Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg as principals. The position is placed in the Division for Computer network and systems and the employment is placed with Chalmers University of Technology.

Our research spans from theoretical computer science to applied systems development. We provide high-quality education at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, offering over 120 courses each year. We also have extensive national and international collaborations with academia, industry, and society.

The PhD position will be placed in the Secura Lab led by Assistant Professor Muoi Tran. Dedicated to advancing the field of Network Security, Secura Lab focuses on innovative solutions to protect modern digital infrastructure from emerging network threats. Despite being young, Secura Lab has an excellent track record in publishing at top-tier security and blockchain conferences. At Secura Lab, we strongly believe a healthy work-life balance is the key to our research excellence. Please visit our website for a letter to prospective students.

Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (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 vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry.

WASP Graduate School

The graduate school within WASP is dedicated to provide the skills needed to analyze, develop, and contribute to the interdisciplinary area of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD-students, researchers and industry.

About The Research Project 

The PhD position is centered on the investigation of network security challenges in blockchain/Web3 environments. Web3 represents a shift toward decentralized applications supported by blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. This project will explore techniques to secure these systems against novel network-level attacks. Key research objectives include the development of secure communication protocols, the analysis of vulnerabilities in peer-to-peer and consensus mechanisms, and the design of scalable defense strategies that preserve privacy and security guarantees. The candidate will work at the intersection of distributed systems, networking, and security, contributing both theoretical insights and practical tools to enhance the resilience of decentralized infrastructures. Other research interests in network security are also considered.

Who We Are Looking For

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or another relevant field
• You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Excellent grades in computer networks, distributed systems, or cybersecurity courses
• Strong programming language skills
• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.
  
  

The Following Experience Will Strengthen Your Application

• Familiarity with real-life decentralized and/or distributed systems
  
  

We value a collaborative attitude and an interest in working both in teams and independently. Self-motivation, attention to detail, and a problem-solving analytical ability are important personal qualities for this position.

What You Will Do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Computer Science and Engineering
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
  
  

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
  
  

What We Offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
  
  

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. 

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
• To indicate that you have read the full advertisement, please mention and highlight a string composed of your first name and a three-digit nonce, such that its SHA256 hash in hexadecimal starts with a zero, using an online tool like KeyCDN. For example, SHA256(‘Muoi001’) starts with ‘0a83b…’.
  
  

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than May 15th 2026

The latest starting date is September 1st 2026. 

For Questions, Please Contact

Muoi Tran

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to your application!

• Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
  
  

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.