Doctoral student in Game Theory for Machine Learning Security - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Network and Systems Engineering conducts research in the field of networked systems, with a focus on design, performance modeling, evaluation, and security. Current application areas are sensor networks, multimedia communications, cloud computing, mobile and vehicular communications, and smart grids. Members of the department participate in several EU projects and collaborate with researchers at universities in Europe, in North America and in Asia. Our graduates are highly sought after by industry, and are employed at research labs and companies in Europe and in the U.S.

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Electrical Engineering

Machine learning has over the past years developed into a tool capable of achieving human-like performance in various problem domains. In the near future it will be integrated in complex network control systems, to interpret sensory input and to facilitate adaptation to a changing environment. The potential benefits of machine learning enabled networked control systems are tremendous, but machine learning introduces significant vulnerabilities that need to be understood and mitigated.

The goal of the project is to develop a fundamental understanding and engineering design of machine learning enabled complex networked control systems. To achieve this goal, the project plans to develop novel game theoretical models of network security, with a focus on adaptation and learning. The models and algorithms will be used for devising solutions for system design, threat mitigation and attack detection. The developed solutions will be validated in a state of the art large-scale on-campus testbed. Interaction with industrial partners ensures a focus on fundamental problems with high industrial relevance, and provides good career prospects in industry as well as in academia.

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic international research environment in close cooperation with industry and universities internationally.
• Life-long network through KTH's Alumni organization.
• Monthly salary according to KTH's PhD student salary agreement. KTH's employee benefits.
• Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § högskoleförordningen), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a degree at advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Selection

In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

• ability for independent work,
• analyse and work with complex issues and
• good command of English orally and in writing

The successful applicant should hold a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied mathematics or a corresponding degree. Knowledge of machine learning and game theory is required together with a strong mathematical background. Knowledge of optimization, stochastic processes, and linear algebra are an advantage. A thesis work relevant to the position and significant international experience are a merit.

Target degree: Doctor's degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study. Decisions on employment as a doctoral student may not be appealed.

Eligibility, selection and admissions are regulated in antagningsordning till utbildning vid Kungl. Tekniska högskolan and the program description for the doctoral program and current subject syllabus available on KTH's website.

Doctoral students may engage in teaching and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTHs recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET / CEST (Central European Time / Central European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• Professional CV.
• Statement of purpose: Why do you want to pursue a PhD, what are your academic interests, how they relate to your previous studies and future goals (max 2 pages.)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• Critical summary of a paper listed here, that appeared in or after 2012. Summarize the main result, why and/or when does it work, potential shortcomings, on at most 1 page.
• Representative publications or technical reports: Documents no longer than 10 pages each. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a link to the full text.

Other

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.