PhD Position: Computing Science – Machine Learning for Software Security
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Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Engineering
Umeå University
Umeå, Sweden
Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
Overview
Umeå University invites applications for a PhD student position in Computing Science focused on machine learning for software security. The position is offered within the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), Sweden’s largest individual research program in AI and software systems.
The project aims to develop novel machine learning techniques to improve malware detection and advance software security, leveraging sequence models and AI methods for real-world applications.
Research Focus
The PhD project combines artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering to address critical challenges in software security:
- Machine Learning for Malware Detection: Design and develop AI models for identifying malicious software
- Software Security Analysis: Detect vulnerabilities in complex software systems
- AI-Driven Security Solutions: Integrate machine learning with software engineering practices to enhance protection against cyber threats
- Collaborative and Applied Research: Work closely with international researchers and industry partners
The project is highly interdisciplinary, bridging machine learning, software security, and practical cybersecurity applications.
Academic Field and Research Domain
Primary Field
- Computing Science and Artificial Intelligence
Core Disciplines
- Machine Learning and Deep Learning
- Software Security and Malware Analysis
- Sequence Modeling and Natural Language Processing
- AI for Cybersecurity
Applied Research Areas
- Detection of malware and malicious software
- AI-driven security tools for software systems
- Integration of AI methods with software engineering practices
This position emphasizes AI applications in cybersecurity, combining theoretical machine learning with practical software protection.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
- MSc degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields
- Strong knowledge of machine learning, including experience with sequence models or NLP (merit)
- Programming skills in Python, Java, or C
- Interest and motivation in software security and cybersecurity research
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
Personal qualities such as curiosity, creativity, discipline, and teamwork are highly valued.
Employment Conditions
- Full-time PhD position for four years (mainly research-focused)
- Up to 20% department service (teaching or other duties) possible
- Starting date: 1 June 2026 or as agreed
- Salary and benefits according to Swedish doctoral student pay scales
Research Environment
- Department of Computing Science, Umeå University
- Dynamic and international team of 170 employees from 20+ countries
- Part of WASP, providing access to research visits, partner universities, and international networking
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across AI, autonomous systems, and software security
This PhD position is ideal for candidates aiming to combine machine learning research with practical applications in software security, preparing for an international research career in AI, cybersecurity, and computing science.
Apply now at: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/phd-student-in-computing-science-with-a-focus-on-machine-learning-for-software-security_906293/
