PhD Stipend in AI:HARDWARE Lab for Secure Embedded AI and Next-Generation Secure-by- Design Power Electronics

Jobbeskrivelse
Are you interested in shaping the future of intelligent and secure computing systems where artificial intelligence meets reliable embedded hardware? We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate, as part of the AI:X initiative at Aalborg University, to work at the intersection of AI, security, and embedded systems, contributing to next-generation trustworthy hardware platforms for cyber-physical systems.

The position is open for appointment from 15 September 2026 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

About the Project
AI:X is an ambitious initiative at Aalborg University that aims to advance AI research and create real-world impact through interdisciplinary collaboration, and nine labs will be initiated in 2026 with a total of 18 PhD stipends.

The AI:HARDWARE Lab is part of the AI:X initiative with two PhD stipends (one of which has already been filled) and is a collaboration between the Department of Electronic Systems, the Technical Faculty of IT & Design and the Department of Energy, the Faculty of Engineering and Science.

This PhD position will be hosted in the Cybersecurity Research Group at the Department of Electronic Systems, in close collaboration with a second PhD in the Sustainable Power Electronics and Electrification Research Group at the Department of Energy Technology.
Cyber-Physical Energy Systems, such as electric vehicle chargers and power grids are increasingly exposed to cyber attacks that can cause physical damage. AI:HARDWARE uses AI to protect this infrastructure and to design hardware that is secure by design. A key challenge is getting these defenses to run on small, low-power embedded devices, so the lab develops lightweight AI and trustworthy embedded platforms that can detect and respond to threats on their own. The goal is embedded systems that are smart, secure, and able to protect themselves.

About the PhD Position
The lab is looking for a candidate for the following stipend:
PhD position: Secure Embedded AI for Cyber-Physical Energy Systems
The PhD position focuses on the development of secure and trustworthy AI for resource-constrained embedded systems. The research will investigate how machine learning models can be designed and deployed efficiently on constrained hardware platforms while supporting the reliability and security requirements of cyber-physical systems, with power electronics and energy infrastructure as a key application area.
The student will work on machine learning, AI security, and real-time embedded computing, with a strong emphasis on the AI and trustworthiness side of the problem.

Tasks
The PhD student will contribute to research on machine learning, AI security, and real-time embedded computing for cyber-physical systems, with a strong emphasis on the AI and trustworthiness side of the problem. The main activities include:

• Designing machine learning models that can detect unusual, unsafe, or attacked operating conditions.
• Developing data-driven models that capture how faults and attacks spread through a system, and using them to make AI-based monitoring and control more resilient.
• Studying the security and integrity of deployed ML models, so that AI-based decisions stay trustworthy when something goes wrong or is deliberately manipulated.
• Building lightweight, efficient models that can run in real time on constrained hardware.
• Implementing and evaluating the methods on embedded platforms and hardware prototypes, in collaboration with a second PhD student focused on the secure power-electronics design aspects of the project.
• Sharing results through publications in relevant AI, security, and systems venues.

Position-specific competencies
We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with a background in computer science, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, edge computing, or a closely related field, who is excited about the intersection of machine learning, AI security, and real-world deployment.
The ideal candidate has experience or interest in one or several of the following:

• A solid foundation in programming (particularly Python) and modern machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• An interest in AI security, trustworthy ML, or the reliability of ML systems in safety-critical settings.
• Some exposure to, or curiosity about, deploying ML on resource-constrained or embedded platforms.
• Hardware security or cyber-physical system security concepts.
• Experience with embedded systems, real-time computing, hardware-software co-design, FPGA development, or hardware-accelerated computing will be considered a strong advantage. Familiarity with efficient-deployment toolflows such as TinyML or FINN is a plus but not required.

We encourage applications from candidates with a genuine interest in the topic, even if their background does not match every qualification listed above. We are happy to support a strong ML candidate in growing into the embedded/hardware aspects of the project.

Your competencies
You are able to design and conduct independent research within the scope of the project, and you communicate clearly in English, both in writing and orally. You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research environment, collaborating closely with colleagues from different scientific backgrounds, including the power-electronics side of the project.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field or be expected to complete it before the start of the appointment.

PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are
You will join a joint research environment between AAU Energy and the Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University. At AAU Energy, you will work with colleagues who focus on modelling, design and integration of power electronic systems and components, using high-fidelity electromagnetic and multi-physics simulations to develop efficient, compact and reliable solutions for sustainable energy applications in collaboration with industry. At the Department of Electronic Systems, you will interact with researchers working on cybersecurity, embedded systems, AI, and IoT, with a focus on building secure, energy-efficient, and intelligent computing architectures.

The two departments host an international community of researchers and PhD students and provide access to modern laboratories and research infrastructure. You will be part of an open and inclusive environment where you can develop your ideas, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to the next generation of efficient and secure-by-design power electronic systems.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:
o Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position,
o Curriculum Vitae (CV)
o Diplomas (bachelor’s and master's degree diploma, including grades)
o Other relevant documents
The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.
Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are very welcome to contact the person listed at the bottom of the job posting, who can provide further information about the project, the research environment and the recruitment process.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Contacts

• Lab Director Edlira Dushku: [email protected]
• Assistant Professor Arish Sateesan: [email protected]
• Lisbeth Diinhoff: [email protected]

Ansøgningsfrist
11-08-2026

Ref. nummer
2026/874

Afdeling
Department of Electronic Systems