PhD position on Secure, High-Performance and Sustainable Internet

The rapid evolution of communication networks, which are expected to further grow in complexity and scale, has significantly improved global connectivity. However, this growth also led to a substantial increase in energy consumption, contributing to global carbon emissions and raising environmental concerns.

As networks expand, the processes involved in data transmission require increasingly complex computations, resulting in higher energy usage. For example, routing protocols like the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) make routing decisions based on the fastest and most reliable network paths. However, this focus on performance raises the question of whether these paths are also sustainable. Similarly, modern security measures to protect against network attacks, often implemented in the cloud, require additional transmission and computational resources. It is questionable whether the energy cost of this additional processing justifies the enhanced security or whether more sustainable alternatives exist.

The goal of this project is to identify and quantify sustainability metrics of networking processes. This includes developing methods to assess the environmental impact of various components, such as routing protocols, measurement techniques, and security mechanisms. Additionally, the project aims to propose innovative solutions that balance the need for high- performance, secure communication with the imperative of reducing the carbon footprint of modern networks.

The candidate will work at the Design and Analysis of Communication Systems DACS-group at the University of Twente. The research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Antonia Affinito, Prof. dr. Anna Sperotto and Prof. dr. ir. Geert Heijenk.

A Master's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related discipline;

Good communication skills and an excellent command of English;

A strong computer networking background, coding skills and willingness to work with real-world deployments;

Creative thinker with analytical and problem-solving abilities; Solid knowledge and understanding of networking fundamentals

A high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.901,- (first year) to € 3.707,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A fulltime employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

Free access to sports facilities on campus

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before February 15, 2025, via the ‘Apply now' button below and include:

A motivational letter, including an explanation of your motivation for this PhD position and this project;

A detailed CV (resume);

An academic transcript of B.Sc. (if applicable) and M.Sc. education.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Antonia for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Phone:+31534899885

Email:[email protected]

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

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At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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