Doctoral student in Trustworthy and Resilient Automotive Cybersecurity

Om jobbet

Are you interested in cybersecurity challenges in modern vehicles and future automated driving systems? This doctoral project explores how complex vehicle systems can detect incidents and provide reliable system data for cybersecurity monitoring and forensic analysis.

About us

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, a joint department of Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, spans the breadth of computing disciplines. Our internationally visible research, strong industry links and diverse environment create a collaborative setting where ideas grow into real impact.

At the division of Computer and Network Systems, we design secure, dependable and high-performance computer and communication systems that meet the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

About the research project

Modern vehicles rely on large distributed software systems and complex communication infrastructures. When incidents occur in such systems, understanding what happened can be difficult because current vehicle platforms are not designed to provide clear system evidence, and available data may be incomplete or difficult to interpret. This is further challenged by evolving and more dynamic attacks, while existing security mechanisms are often relatively static. At the same time, increasing regulatory requirements highlight the need for improved approaches, where security becomes an important enabler.

This doctoral project studies system mechanisms that support security monitoring and Automotive Digital Forensics (ADF) in automotive systems. The research focuses on methods for collecting and analysing system data in complex vehicle platforms while respecting constraints related to safety, system resources, and performance.

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 a closely related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Relevant background in cybersecurity, with additional background in computer systems, networking, or a closely related area.
• We value a collaborative attitude and the capacity to communicate effectively with both international and national project partners, as well as to work independently and as part of a team.

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Good academic performance in previous studies and a high quality MSc thesis (or equivalent) or other independent written work.
• Experience with experimental evaluation methods or system-level experimentation.
• Demonstrated interest in research at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital forensics, and complex software systems.

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Computer Science and Engineering.
• Develop and pursue an independent research project that contributes to ongoing research within the division.
• Develop scientific concepts and communicate your research results 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.
• Collaborate with industrial stakeholders, including Volvo Cars and other partners in the MAGIC project, contributing to research with relevance for future automotive systems.

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: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)

• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)

• 1-3 pages including:
  • A brief introduction about yourself.
  • A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
  • A section titled "Suitability for the position", explaining how your background, skills, and experience relate to the requirements of the position.

Other documents:

• Copies of bachelor and/or master's thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

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 April 25, 2026

The appointment may also be subject to additional assessment and eligibility considerations in accordance with applicable regulations and the framework of the MAGIC project and its partners.

For questions, please contact:

Magnus Almgren
Email: magnus.almgren@chalmers.se

Kim Strandberg
Email: kim.strandberg@volvocars.com

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.

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