About the position 

At the Department of Information Security and Communication Technology we have a vacancy for a postdoctoral researcher in Modelling Distributed Subversion Attacks in Cyber-Physical Systems.

The position's working place is NTNU campus in Gjøvik.

You will report to the Head of the Department.

Duties of the position

The postdoctoral researcher will work on challenging research problems related to

• The development of models for required and desired behavior of cyber-physical systems and manifestations in state variables or explicit measurements with emphasis on synchronization primitives in CPS based on process algebraic constructs.
• The development of models of distributed, co-operating and concurrent adversaries within the above framework, emphasizing the communication and co-operation requirements among the adversary’s activities.
• Validation of models in the context of a case study.

The position is part of SFI NORCICS, the new 8-year research-based innovation Norwegian Centre for Cybersecurity in Critical Sectors. These sectors include electricity production and distribution, oil & gas production and distribution, manufacturing, healthcare, industrial production, financial services, transportation, smart districts. NORCICS follows a holistic, comprehensive and systemic approach addressing people, processes and technology to protect critical sectors throughout the cybersecurity core functions (identify, protect, detect, respond, recover). NORCICS has partners from academia, research, the public sector and the industry. 

Required selection criteria

A postdoctoral research fellowship is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree. 

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

• Academic background as listed above 
• Excellent English language skills (written and oral)
• Mathematical maturity as demonstrated in publications.

Preferred selection criteria

• Knowledge and skills in discrete mathematical models are desirable.
• Experience with modelling physical systems is beneficial. 
• Ability to acquire knowledge outside one’s own area of specialization is beneficial.
• Experience in information security is desirable.

Personal characteristics

• Be scientifically curious and open to new research challenges.
• Demonstrate independence and persistence in addressing technical problems.
• Be flexible and reliable, with ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.

We offer 

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment 
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues 
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 
• employee benefits 

Salary and conditions

The employment period is 3 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 574 700 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The research within NORCICS is on the cybersecurity of critical sectors, that include critical infrastructures, and is to be performed in close collaboration with industry, including operators of critical infrastructures. As such, it is expected that persons engaged with this kind of research will, directly or indirectly, become involved with knowledge and technology of an inherently sensitive, from a cybersecurity perspective, nature. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. 

After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application 

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include:

• A short and directed cover letter identifying:
  •  Your motivation for the position
  •  Why you are suited for the position.
• Research plan or project proposal 
• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 5 works)
• Name and address of three referees

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. 

General information 

Working at NTNU 

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.  

The city of Gjøvik has a population of 30 000 and is a town known for its rich music and cultural life. The beautiful nature surrounding the city is ideal for an active outdoor life! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. 

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Stephen Wolthusen, telephone +47 611 35 289, email stephen.wolthusen@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Stine Terese Ruen Nymoen, e-mail: stine.t.r.nymoen@ntnu.no.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).  

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2020/44788 when applying. 

Application deadline: 31.07.2021

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Information Security and Communication Technology

Research is vital to the security of our society. We teach and conduct research in cyber security, information security, communications networks and networked services. Our areas of expertise include biometrics, cyber defence, cryptography, digital forensics, security in e-health and welfare technology, intelligent transportation systems and malware. The Department of Information Security and Communication Technology is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .

Deadline 31st July 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Gjøvik
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Campus Gjøvik