Researcher in Maritime Cybersecurity

Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with 11,000 students and approximately 1,800 employees, one of the largest universities in Estonia that is a leading EU country in digitalization. The strengths of the university are wide multidisciplinary study/research interests, modern research and study environment as well as good collaboration with international educational and research institutions.
More information about TalTech: https://taltech.ee/en

CONTEXT

Up to 3 researchers (career stages R2 to R4) will be recruited through the support of the Horizon 2020 ERA Chair project entitled “ERA Chair in Maritime Cyber Security at Tallinn University of Technology” (grant agreement No 952360-MariCybERA). The project aims to build a highly recognized and sustainable academic research centre for Maritime Cybersecurity.

Maritime sector being a strategic domain for countries and more generally for international trade it is attracting interest of malicious actors that are leveraging the increased attack surface resulting from the introduction of digital components. The issues surrounding connected and autonomous ships and infrastructures provides some of the most advanced and complex technical challenges of the digital transformation, and cybersecurity. The design of these autonomous systems must incorporate cybersecurity to not risk safety of maritime operation, considering that vessels have only limited support from the shore, and leverage in the future on remote assistance and management.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Up to 3 researchers’ positions are available in the broad areas below:

• Security by design of ships and maritime infrastructures
• Trustworthy AI for operating ships and maritime infrastructures
• Penetration testing and evaluation of cybersecurity of ships and maritime infrastructures
• Monitoring of complex maritime systems (OT/IT)
• Multidimensional SOC for maritime applications

KEYWORDS: Cybersecurity, Autonomous ships, Maritime system cybersecurity, Situational awareness, trustworthy Al, global monitoring.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate is expected

• To contribute to building a network of academic, industrial, and governmental partners in Estonia, Baltic region, EU and beyond.
• To undertake research activities, including developing and implementing experimental research platforms, labs, and simulator.
• To publish its research in highly visible journals and conferences with large impact.
• To participate in supervising graduate level students.
• Provide general and specialist support for project proposals in the context of MariCybERA project.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate shall have:

• PhD degree in one of the fields of: computer science, information and communication technologies, autonomous systems, maritime systems engineering.
• Knowledge and interest about cybersecurity and protection of computer and cyber-physical systems.
• Excellent level of spoken and written English, good interpersonal and communication skills, curiosity, and creativity, also, willingness to learn and work as part of an international team.
• Experience with machine learning will be a key asset.
• Knowledge of the maritime domain will be a benefit.

The position is at the Centre for Maritime Cybersecurity in Tallinn University of Technology. Expected starting date of the contract is no later than 1 January 2023. The position is fix-term for up to 3 years, but it might be extended afterwards.
More about the project: maricybera.taltech.ee .

For further information, please contact

WE OFFER

• Excellent opportunities for performing high quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers and engineers.
• An informal and inclusive international working environment, green campus approach, a flexible schedule and modern office facilities located in Tallinn.
• Opportunities to build international networks, through established collaboration with industry, exchange programs and research visits to other universities, and support to attend research conferences.
• Innovative, ambitious, and multidisciplinary cooperation-oriented research groups in TalTech.
• Professionally provided administrative support (project applications writing, submission and projects implementation, HR, HPC, etc.).
• One of the most compact and sufficient maritime community in Europe that is surrounded by technology, digitalization and many high-tech companies and start-ups (Skype, Starship Technologies, Bolt, Pipedrive, etc.).
• To support the high-quality research, it is possible to use the numerous possibilities offered by our state-of-the-art modern laboratories' infrastructure and maritime simulator centre.
• Our digital and small society - everything is doable digitally and on smart quick way.
• Individual development and training opportunities.
• A competitive salary.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for this position please send the following documents in English by 30 September 2022 at the latest by using the link “Apply ”:

• Cover letter (motivation for applying, research interests and how the candidate meets the preferred qualification of the position);
• Documents proving that the candidate holds the required academic degree (PhD) and has acquired the required education;
• Curriculum vitae (educational background; relevant academic or industrial work experience; list of scientific publications, etc.);
• Research project idea (up to 3 pages).

Regarding further information on the application documents and recruitment process please contact TalTech HR [email protected] .