Job description

One postdoctoral researcher position in information security is available at the Department of Informatics at the University of Oslo. The position is in the context of the Strategic Research Initiative called “ConSeRNS: Concurrent Security and Robustness for Networked Systems”.

There is a potential for the research to be conducted in collaboration with Cornell University, which is one of the leading research centers in the world in the area of blockchain.

The fellowship period is 4 years. The position entails a compulsory workload of 25% that consists of teaching and supervision duties.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

Starting date no later than 01.10.2020.

More about the position

Security and robustness of ICT infrastructures are essential factors for sustainable development of our society. On a daily basis there are reports of ICT security breaches and failures of vital functions like water supply, electricity supply, healthcare services, communication services, transport services and security services. Companies and entire nations are now faced with the threat of large scale-attacks executed remotely through the Internet. Unfortunately, current knowledge of resilient ICT system design stands in stark contrast to the critical importance that ICT has in modern societies.

Blockchain:

Traditional economic models are based on brokers such as banks, charging mediation fees. Bitcoin did away with a broker entity and showed that it is fundamentally possible to have a working system in practice where the technology does all the mediation. In 2016, the application range exploded, with the Blockchain Paradigm being heralded as the enabler of cooperative economy. Blockchain use in healthcare provision and energy markets is making global news. 15% of top global banks aimed to roll out commercial blockchain products in 2017. Microsoft and IBM declare blockchain as a key technology for business. Netherlands and Estonia make blockchain a part of their national technological strategy.

Unfortunately, the sudden demand for blockchain solutions has caught the society unprepared. While the potential is huge, meaningful standards are to emerge and even application requirements are to be crystallized yet. It is already clear, however, that new blockchain applications have characteristics significantly diverging from those of Bitcoin, due to the key differences in the operational conditions, prevalent threats and risks, and performance requirements. This call for a design of new mechanisms for data storage, distribution, security, etc.

The main objective for this postdoc position is to contribute to analyzing the requirements and devising new mechanisms for novel classes of blockchain applications.

The results can impact healthcare provision, energy markets, and a broad range of B2B interaction which involves e-asset transfer, by filling the technology gap and powering industry initiatives in this rapidly developing area. In particular, the position will be relevant to existing projects in the group of Networks and Distributed Systems, such as SmartMed and SmartNEM.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who is interested in designing, developing, and evaluating techniques related to the above.

It is expected that the researcher will be a part of the ConSeRNS leader team and actively contribute to the coordination of collaboration between all partners contributing to ConSeRNS, including supervision of PhD-candidates.

Additional information can be found using the following link:

http://heim.ifi.uio.no/~romanvi/conserns-postdoc.html

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Computer Science, with excellent results.
• It is important for the position to have strong background in distributed computing. The ideal candidate will have expertise in blockchain.
• Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• The evaluation considers many aspects of excellence, as well as the personal drive and organizational skills.

It is desirable that the candidate’s PhD thesis shows knowledge of stochastic calculus and/or stochastic processes. Furthermore, a profound interest in combining mathematical tools interdisciplinary and with applications is expected. We expect the candidate to have excellent writing and presentation skills.

We offer

• A strong research environment. Our students have won best paper and best demo awards at several conferences. Our alumni are employed by IBM Research, Microsoft, Spotify, and highly reputable academic institutions in Europe.
• The group of Networks and Distributed Systems offers a work environment that is well equipped with the newest hard- and software technology. The research group has tight bonds with Simula Research Laboratory. Furthermore, we have well-established links to national and international research institutions. We conduct collaborative research projects that are funded by Norwegian research funds, and the European Community.
• A strong international network
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Postdoctoral development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidate's motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Roman Vitenberg, e-mail: romanvi@ifi.uio.no

For question regarding our application system, please contact HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, phone:+47 22854272, email: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no

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