Cybersecurity PhD Research Project with Johnson & Johnson - ADVANCE CRT

We are currently seeking to recruit 1 PhD student to work on a Johnson & Johnson - ADVANCE joint PhD research project to study cyber security threats and defence mechanisms in industrial automation to start from October 2022 up to January 2023 at the University College Cork.

The student will be based at the SFI Centre for Research Training in Advanced Networks for Sustainable Societies (ADVANCE CRT), which focuses on enabling technologies for future hyper-networks, including concepts such as network virtualization, dependable communications, Internet of Things, data-driven network management and applications in sustainable and independent living.  ADVANCE CRT is training 120 PhD students, recruited in four annual cohorts up to 30 students across five partner universities: University College Cork, Munster Technological University, Trinity College Dublin, Technological University Dublin and Maynooth University, and first began during the academic year 2019/20.

The student will be integrated within the 4th Cohort of the programme and participate in all training activities, encompassing transversal and transdisciplinary components, such as Cohort training (Induction, Research Colloquium & Summer School),  professional development training to strengthen research capabilities, acquire transversal, cross-sectoral and transferable skills and develop a nuanced understanding of the systemic complexity of the human-technology and social interplay. The Centre also provides discipline-specific skills training delivered on an individual basis and relevant to the research project of the student through seminar series and attendance at international summer schools.

Funding

Accepted PhD students will receive an annual stipend of €18,500 (tax-free) and fully covered tuition fees for up to 4 years. Additional funding is available to support training, equipment, materials, travel expenses and other costs associated with the research project.

Project description

The overall goal of the Johnson & Johnson ADVANCE CRT PhD research project is to study cyber security threats and defence mechanisms in selected industrial automation uses cases.

More specific goals include

• Review and identify cyber security threats in industrial automation
• Assess the cyber security threat situation through the lens of J&J in Cork
• Devise, implement and evaluate novel threat detection approaches
• Devise, implement and evaluate novel protection and defence strategies against cyber security threats for selected industrial automation use cases.
• Publish scientific results of the work in high-impact conferences and journals
• Participate in relevant training activities of the ADVANCE CRT programme
• Obtain a PhD degree in Computer Science based on the work in this project

This project aims to investigate cyber security in an IT/OT network context and devise novel protection strategies. The project will be carried out in collaboration with J&J, providing several case studies (for example, manufacturing environments). The case studies will identify and understand threats and evaluate defence strategies and countermeasures developed within this project.

Eligibility criteria

We invite applications from individuals who hold at least a 2.1 honours undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Other qualifications in disciplines related to the research area will also be considered.

Non-native English speakers are required to hold a valid IELTS certificate demonstrating at least a score of 6.5 overall with a score of not less than 6 in all parts. Please note that in relevant cases, an offer will not be made until proof of an applicant’s English proficiency has been provided. If applicants have a degree from a university in an English-speaking country, they will be exempt from the English language requirement. Alternatives to provide evidence of English language proficiency can be found here .

Desirable criteria

      Decisions at short-listing and interview will be made based on the following criteria:

• Experience with industrial automation systems
• Understanding and appreciation of cybersecurity mechanisms
• Experience with communications systems
• Programming experience (Phyton, c/c++)

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply through the application link below:

The deadline for applications is the 16th of September 2022.

Please notice that applications will be evaluated as they are submitted and that offers could be made before the end of the deadline. As such, it is encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

To fill out the application form, candidates will be asked to provide the following: 

• Primary and highest degree(s) and awarding institutions; GPA/degree class. 
• A CV (maximum three pages).
• Evidence of English language proficiency for non-native speakers based on IELTS (or similar) score of 6.5 (or similar requirements).
• A max. 2-page statement of motivation including a description of: 
• why they wish to undertake a PhD within ADVANCE CRT (concerning their future career plans).
• adequate knowledge, skills and competencies to further develop the proposed research topic.
• Transcripts of all your degrees and proof of English language ability (where required).

Diversity

To help address gender under-representation in science, applications from female applicants are strongly encouraged, as are those from international students and other under-represented groups. This reflects the commitment of each one of the ADVANCE CRT partner institutions to provide a diverse and open environment for students and faculty.

If you have any queries, please contact the ADVANCE CRT Operations Team at [email protected] .