Doctoral Researcher in Human-Centered Security

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with nearly 12 000 students and a staff of more than 4000, of which 400 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Department of Computer Science is an internationally-oriented community and home to world-class research in modern computer science, combining research on foundations and innovative applications. With over 40 professors and more than 450 employees from 50 countries, it is the largest department at Aalto University and the largest computer science unit in Finland. Computer science research at Aalto University ranks high in several prominent surveys (47th worldwide and 9th in Europe in Shanghai subject ranking 2019; and 56th worldwide in Times Higher Education subject ranking 2020).

Doctoral researcher

The newly founded research group Human-Centered Security at the Computer Science Department at Aalto University is looking to hire at least one PhD Student (Doctoral Researcher). You will be supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Verena Distler (https://www.aalto.fi/en/people/verena-distler).

The research group focuses on exploring the challenges people encounter related to security and privacy when interacting with technology. Our objectives are to understand how people experience security and privacy challenges, and to design and evaluate effective solutions (incl. technological interventions). Our work is human-centered and grounded in empirical research. We draw on methods from various disciplines—including human-computer interaction, social sciences, and computer science—to deepen our understanding of these challenges.

Your network and team

You will be affiliated with the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University. Alongside your supervisor, you will work closely with other researchers within your group. While strong independent working skills are essential, the ability to collaborate effectively with fellow researchers is equally important.

Your role and goals

You will work in the interdisciplinary field of human-computer interaction, focusing on questions relating to human-centered security. Your tasks will include:

• Conceptualizing and conducting rigorous empirical studies (both quantitative and qualitative).
• Conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Developing and testing new interaction concepts with an attention to detail (low- and high-fidelity prototypes).
• Writing and publishing research articles in leading scientific venues.
• Presenting your work at scientific conferences.
• Collaborating with other researchers in the group.

In addition to research work, persons hired are expected to participate in teaching following the standard practices at the department.

Your experience and ambitions

• Completed Master studies in the fields of computer science, psychology or related disciplines.
• You have a strong interest in psychological and social aspects of human-centered security and privacy.
• You have a strong interest in scientific research and good problem-solving skills.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Other languages may be beneficial.
• Some experience with conducting research studies, data analysis, and scientific writing is beneficial (e.g., in the master thesis).
• Empathy allows you to put yourself in the shoes of your research participants.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

What we offer

• We offer an intellectually challenging and meaningful job in an inspiring work environment.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic community of world-class researchers and professionals.
• Flexible and friendly modern work culture. We value the balance of work and leisure.
• We encourage continuous development of your own skills and qualifications.

The position belongs to the Aalto career system and the selected person will be appointed for a two-year fixed term appointment with an option for two-year renewal.

The starting salary for the position is 2747,07 EUR per month. In addition to the salary, the contract includes occupational health benefits, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. The annual total workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is 1 612 hours. The position is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our recruitment system Workday. The deadline for applications is 30.11.2024. The position will be filled as soon as suitable candidate has been identified.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account

To apply, please share the following application materials in one pdf file with us:

• Cover letter (1-2 pages) with motivation, research interests and match to the project.
• A detailed CV.
• Copies of your academic degrees and transcripts.
• Contact information for at least one academic reference (can be included at the end of the CV).
• A brief research proposal (1 page) for the PhD project, with clear connections to at least one of the following topics:
  • Social aspects of human-centered security and privacy
  • Human-centered approaches to counteract social engineering
  • Inclusive security (including groups who have so far been underrepresented in security and privacy research)

The candidates must have completed their Master’s degree before the start of the contract period. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Further information

• Professor Verena Distler, e-mail "[email protected]" (research related information)
• HR Advisor Susanna Holma, e-mail "[email protected]" (recruitment process)

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future.
And this webpage about Aalto and Finland. https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package 

Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/ !

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland

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