We are looking for a Ph.D. student in the area of formal methods based verification of security and privacy protocols. The successful candidate will join the SaToSS group led by Prof. Dr. Sjouke Mauw.
The research to be conducted concerns security and privacy issues in future communication networks, such as the “Internet of things”. The Internet of things refers to a network in which everyday items are able to communicate with each other. More specifically, its aim is to facilitate applications in which, traditional computers, smart phones, and special purpose devices such as wireless sensors, remotely operable appliances, and RFID-equipped objects can exchange information transparently.
It is expected that such networks will not only consist of a much wider variety of devices than present networks, but also that networked special purpose devices will account for a significant proportion of these networks. Consequently, it is very likely that there will be a wide range of novel security and privacy threats in these networks.
The goal of this project is to develop formal methods for the verification of security and privacy properties of communication protocols in these networks. The creation of automatic verification tools and the design of protocols meeting particular security and privacy criteria are also envisioned.
This research is the continuation of our RFID project in a more general context.
The candidate will be employed as a Junior Researcher at the Faculty of Sciences, Technology and Communication of the University of Luxembourg. The initial contract will be for three years (40 hours/week) with a six month trial period. The contract may be extended once by one year.
Tasks/Mission:
•Carry out fundamental research into security and privacy in the Internet of things.
•Publish scientific papers.
•Write a doctoral dissertation in computer and information security.
•Assist the professor in his teaching activities, one to three hours per week.
•Supervise Master and/or Bachelor students.
Profile:
•A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
•Prior exposure to and strong interest in computer and information security.
•Interest in formal methods.
•Inquisitiveness, creativity, critical attitude.
•Very good written and oral English skills.
Applications (in English) should contain the following documents:
•A cover letter.
•A detailed curriculum vitae.
•Grade transcript of all Bachelor’s and Master’s level courses taken.
•Description of the Master’s thesis or project.
•Names and contact information of two referees.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 28 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application