Doctoral student SNSF in Information Systems / Computer Science

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

The Information Security and Privacy Lab (ISPLab) at the University of Lausanne is opening a full-time PhD position in Information Systems / Computer Science with a focus on the security and privacy aspects related to the second-hand electronic devices (e.g., USB sticks).

The position is funded by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) for a joint research project between Prof. Kévin Huguenin (UNIL – Department of Information Systems) and Prof. Sylvain Métille (UNIL – School of Law).

• Expected start date in position: Late 2024 – Early 2025 / to be agreed upon
• Contract length: 48 months (4 years), cumulative contracts may not exceed 60 months (5 years), the minimum contract duration is 1 year and the contract may be renewed a maximum of 3 times.
• Activity rate: 100 %
• Workplace: University of Lausanne, Campus of Dorigny, Building Internef

Second-hand electronic storage devices, such as hard drives and USB sticks, are commonly sold on dedicated online platforms such as eBay and Ricardo (in Switzerland). Although second-hand devices are more affordable and more environment-friendly than new products, the remnant data that the electronic storage devices can contain (i.e., files that the users do not delete or that can still be recovered after being deleted) could create security and privacy risks, for instance if they include malware or personal data from a previous owner (e.g., intimate photos).

The goal of the SNSF project, led by a professor of computer science (Prof. Kévin Huguenin) and a professor of law (Prof. Sylvain Métille), is to conduct both a user-centric and a legal analysis of remnant data found on second-hand storage devices. The analyses will be deeply connected, thus providing instrumental input to each other.

This job offer concerns the user-centric security and privacy analysis and will consist in conducting experiments to study user attitudes and behaviors.

85% of your time will be dedicated to the research for the doctoral thesis. You are also required to carry out a complementary teaching and research support activity for UNIL representing an average monthly workload of 15%. For the teaching part, you will prepare and supervise exercises for bachelor and master courses, and you will supervise student projects.

The successful candidate is expected to enroll in the doctoral school in information systems and will be supervised by Prof. Kévin Huguenin.

• Master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related field.  Preferably with a specialization in security and privacy or human computer interaction. Knowledge (and interest) in Law and/or Digital Forensics is a plus.
• Experience and strong abilities in programming. Experience in statistics is a plus.
• Willingness to do research in the field of privacy and interest in related domains (ubiquitous computing, social networking, etc.);
• Taste for multidisciplinary projects involving law: open-mindedness is key to the success of such projects.
• Fluency in English.  Knowledge of French and/or German is a plus. Good analytical and communication skills are essential.

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

Prof. Kévin Huguenin
Write an email
https://www.unil.ch/isplab

Application deadline : 25.09.2024

Please, send your full application in Word or PDF with the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (2 pages max.),
• the name of up to three references willing to write recommendation letters,
• your university transcripts (bachelor and master level),
• and an electronic version of a recent research project write-up (e.g. master thesis, scientific publication).

Only applications through this website will be considered.

We thank you for your understanding.

Seeking to promote an equitable representation of men and women among its staff, the University encourages applications from women.

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus