PhD student in secure distributed learning

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Ref LiU-2025-06038
We have the power of over 40,000 students and co-workers. Students who provide hope for the future. Co-workers who contribute to Linköping University meeting challenges of today. Our fundamental values rest on credibility, trust and security. By having the courage to think freely and innovate, our actions together, large and small, contribute to a better world. We look forward to receiving your application!

We are looking for a PhD student to the Division of Communication Systems at the Department of Electrical Engineering (ISY).

Your work assignments

The position focuses on privacy and security issues in federated and decentralized learning systems. The aim is to develop novel methods for securing communication against passive and active adversaries, leveraging tools from statistical estimation and detection, coding theory, and optimization.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics, with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way. The requirement for a degree must be met no later than the time the employment decision is finalized, which occurs when the employment contract is signed.

Applicants must demonstrate strong mathematical maturity, possess excellent programming skills, and have an excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

Furthermore, you should be able to work independently, be goal-oriented, and have strong problem-solving skills. You should also be clear in your communication and able to collaborate effectively with others.

Your workplace

The Division of Communication Systems carries out research, undergraduate and postgraduate education. We conduct research and education in communications engineering, statistical signal processing, network science, and decentralized machine learning. Welcome to read more about us at: https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/isy/ks.

For more information about working at ISY, please visit: https://liu.se/en/article/open-positions-at-isy.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University.

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan.

To learn more on working as a PhD student at ISY, please contact: isyphdcouncil@groups.liu.se.

Starting date by agreement, but no later than November 1, 2026.

Background screening may come to be carried out before any decision on employment is made.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than February 16, 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.

We look forward to receiving your application!


Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.

Contact persons

Karin Blomdahl

HR Coordinator

karin.blomdahl@liu.se

Zheng Chen

Associate Professor

zheng.chen@liu.se

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