Post-doctoral Research Fellow, School of Computer Science

Applications are invited for a Temporary post of a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Computer Science.

There is a strong upcoming need for communication and beyond technology on the 2030 horizon, with the transformations having been set in motion by 5G, and increasing expectations in society, accelerated by advancements in enabling technology, and moving toward new services and use cases. To address the demanding and diverse needs of the anticipated use cases, 6G networks must be highly programmable, exceedingly adaptable, and efficient. Nevertheless, the additional level of efficiency, programmability and flexibility will come at the expense of increasing complexity in managing and operating 6G networks. To bring this complexity under control, a paradigm shift toward complete automation of network and service management is required. However, a significant obstacle to full automation is the protection of the network services, infrastructure and data against possible cybersecurity risks introduced by the unheard-of expansion of the 6G threat landscape. This EU Horizon project, ROBUST-6G aims to address these cybersecurity risks by 1) providing fundamental contributions to the development of data-driven, AI/ML-based security solutions to meet the new concerns posed by the dynamic nature of the future cyber-physical continuum 2) implementing fully autonomous zero-touch security management functionalities 3) exposing security functionalities to verticals and providing necessary data management 4) protecting AI/ML systems from security attacks and ensuring privacy of individuals whose data is used in the AI-driven systems. 5) providing secure, privacy-preserving and robust distributed intelligence with transparency enhancements by elaborating the explainability in AI/ML 6) achieving energy efficient 6G network design with green and sustainable AI methodologies 7) leveraging different sources of information, ranging from sensing, positioning to authentication, and advanced AI/ML methodologies for detection and mitigation of physical layer attacks and threats.

This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

In addition to the Principal Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the successful candidate will also carry out the following duties specific to this project:

1. Assessing Existing Solutions and Characterization of the Threat Landscape of 6G networks
2. Design Explainable AI enabled intrusion detection and prediction system ensuring transparency and accountability of decision agents.
3. Explore Secure and privacy preserving distributed intelligence for 6G security.
4. Design Distributed federated learning framework for privacy-preserving ML/DL model generation.
5. Design E2E security orchestration system based on the ZSM approach managing the overall security of highly
6. distributed networks
7. Organising and managing deliverables within UCD team and among other partners in CONFIDENTIAL-6G consortium to ensure high-quality on-time submissions.
8. Leading the Work Package (WP) within the project
9. Disseminating research outcomes in high-rank journals (e.g. IEEE Transactions) and conferences (Core A/A*)

Salary range: €42,033 - €48,427 per annum

Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 22nd of September 2023.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/