Field of Research & Scope

Daily life in modern societies heavily relies on critical infrastructures such as the Internet and the power grid to meet essential needs for energy, transport, and information. Over recent decades, this dependence has grown significantly, and any interruption or degradation in service quality — whether caused by occasional errors or deliberate actions — can have severe consequences. In our lab, we are interested in (1) gaining insight into the status quo of critical infrastructures, in particular the Internet and the power grid, through Internet measurements and Open Source Intelligence, (2) understanding their mutual dependencies, and (3) improving their security, privacy, and resilience. During their stay, the PhD student will work collaboratively on relevant but independent topics. The latter will be specified with the student depending on their skills and interests.

We offer

• Access to research platforms: We operate a platform for active Internet measurements. This infrastructure can be utilized by PhD students for their research projects, including the available know-how on conducting large-scale measurement experiments.
• Networking: We maintain close connections with top researchers and industry partners, both nationally and internationally, offering in-depth topical exchange on the latest methods and their real-world applications.
• Public engagement & outreach: We provide opportunities for PhD students to participate in public debates, school visits, and media appearances to share their research findings with a broader audience, enhancing their communications skills and societal impact.

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Conducting research independently and within the research group.
• Writing academic publications.
• Attending national and international conferences.
• Collaborating with other research groups on an interdisciplinary basis.
• Performing auxiliary activities in academic teaching for up to 2 weekly credit hours.
• Helping file applications for third-party funding.
• Complying with the institution’s academic standards and ethical guidelines.

Skills & Qualifications needed

• Motivated, with a strong interest in secure and resilient infrastructures.
• A master’s degree or equivalent in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or another relevant field.
• Solid programming and data analysis skills (independent of a specific programming language).
• Ideally an understanding of at least one of the following topics:  (1) computer networks, (2) information security, (3) mathematical modeling, (4) electromagnetism and power engineering, (5) theoretical computer science, (6) economic modeling.
• The ability to work and think independently.
• Fluent in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent).
     

What you can expect

• Innovative and stimulating working conditions in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
• Office kitchen with complimentary basic supplies.
• Austrian “KlimaTicket Ö” (unlimited travel on all public transportation within Austria). 
• We offer a gross salary in line with the market from EUR 3.714,80 on a full-time basis (40h).

Program Structure

IT:U offers a 4-year, structured PhD program.  
 
In the first year, emphasis is placed on focused group work, research lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses (PICS). The first year concludes with a PhD Proposal Presentation. Over the next three years, students will develop and write their PhD theses. This is accompanied by interdisciplinary research seminars and work as a project assistant. The PhD program concludes after the 4th year with the submission and defense of the PhD thesis.
 
Click here to view the curriculum. 

How to apply

Please fill in the online application form and upload your files at: https://apply.it-u.at/

• Curriculum Vitae
• Bachelor’s and master’s diploma (or equivalent)
• Bachelor’s and master’s transcript of records
• Motivational letter (max. 1.5 pages)
• Up to 3 contacts of professors/collaborators for recommendations

For details, questions and expressions of interest, candidates are welcome to contact contact the principal investigator Johanna Ullrich, johanna.ullrich@it-u.at, before submitting their application. Please attach a CV to your email. 

We look forward to receiving your online application.

DEADLINE:   January 31st, 2026