Research Opportunity: Post-doctoral Research Associate in Ultra-Large Scale System Security

Lancaster University, in partnership with leading institutions and industry giants, presents an exceptional opportunity for a Post-doctoral Research Associate to contribute to a groundbreaking 5-year Programme Grant, "Securing Convergent Ultra-large Scale Infrastructures (SCULI)." This prestigious initiative, funded by the EPSRC, brings together a formidable team from Lancaster University, Bristol and Oxford Universities, international collaborators CMU/Duke, RISE-Sweden, and esteemed industry partners including BT, HP, Airbus, BAE, and Vodaphone.

The landscape of interconnected distributed and networked systems is rapidly evolving, demanding a fundamental shift in our approach to security. Moving beyond idealized, security-by-design concepts that assume trusted components, this research tackles the pressing reality of securing operational systems with inherent vulnerabilities and dynamic configurations. If you are driven by complex challenges and aspire to shape the future of secure digital infrastructure, this role is for you.

What the Opportunity Offers:

This full-time Post-doctoral Research Associate position offers a unique platform to explore and develop novel concepts for provisioning and assessing security in ultra-large scale distributed and networked systems. The research scope encompasses both conceptual breakthroughs and the development of practical tools and techniques for run-time security assurance.

A significant advantage of this Programme Grant is the inherent flexibility in the research agenda. This provides candidates with considerable leeway to shape their research activities, making it an ideal environment for individuals aiming to build a robust and impactful research career.

Key Responsibilities and Advantages:

• Conduct Original Research: Engage in cutting-edge research focused on provisioning security for future ultra-large scale systems, contributing directly to the advancement of the field.
• High-Impact Publications: Develop and disseminate high-quality, impactful publications, enhancing your academic profile and contributing to global knowledge.
• Collaborative Environment: Foster and develop collaborations with a diverse network of academic researchers, industry partners, and other EPSRC projects, expanding your professional network and insights.
• Career Development: The School of Computing and Communications at Lancaster University provides a highly inclusive and stimulating environment dedicated to career growth. You will be exposed to a wide array of opportunities throughout your tenure.
• Supportive Policies: Lancaster University is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies, alongside supporting the Athena SWAN Charter, which champions gender equality in higher education and research.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Qualifications: A PhD in Computer Science or an equivalent field is essential, coupled with demonstrable experience in cyber security, distributed systems, and assurance techniques.
• Contractual Details: You will join on an indefinite contract. However, the role is contingent on external funding, with an initial period of 24 months, subject to potential extensions.
• Research Focus: This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in an environment where they can explore fundamental research questions and translate them into practical solutions for complex, real-world security challenges.
• Collaborative Spirit: Success in this role will hinge on your ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and build strong relationships with academic and industry stakeholders.

This is a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in a vital area of research, collaborate with world-renowned experts, and significantly advance your research career.