Ph.D. Candidates

We are excited to announce the availability of two PhD positions in the Cyber Science Lab in the broad area of Autonomous Cybersecurity. We are looking for motivated candidates with a strong background in AI, Machine Learning, Agentic, and Autonomous Systems to join our dynamic research team. These positions are open until September 2025 or until they are filled.

At the Cyber Science Lab, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to hiring individuals regardless of their origin, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics. Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a core value, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to our research and succeed.

Minimum Requirements

• A first-class MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, or a closely related field with a minimum CGPA of 17+/20 or 80+/100.

Meet the general admission requirements for the PhD program at our institution.

• Application Process: All candidates must meet the minimum requirements and go through our comprehensive hiring process, designed to assess both technical skills and the potential for innovative research.

If you are passionate about advancing the field of Autonomous Cybersecurity and contributing to cutting-edge research in a supportive and inclusive environment, we encourage you to apply!

Hiring Process

All Ph.D. candidates, regardless of their background, CGPA, or track record, must go through the following process before receiving an offer:

• Step 1: Prepare for a 30-minute introductory interview with Dr. Dehghantanha, where you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your compatibility with the lab’s research focus, culture, and core values. The discussion will delve into your pursuit of excellence, motivations for joining the lab, identification as an outlier, and dedication to maintaining high standards and a strong work ethic. Be ready to articulate these aspects effectively during the interview.
• Step 2: Typically, only 1 in 5 applicants successfully advance past the initial screening to reach this stage. At this point, you will engage in a remote project alongside one of the lab’s Ph.D. or postdoc students. These projects typically span 2-3 months, encompassing ideation, implementation, and the documentation of papers. As we assess your technical proficiency and writing skills, we evaluate your compatibility with our lab. Mandatory weekly calls with your project supervisor will be required to ensure ongoing collaboration, progress updates, and joint efforts to deliver high-quality work.
• Step 3: Typically, 1 in 3 applicants successfully advance through step 2. If you’ve reached this stage, we are ready to offer you. You can start at almost any time throughout the year and have the privilege of joining our weekly and monthly calls and participating in our discussions!

How to Apply

• Email your CV and MSc transcript (unofficial transcripts are initially acceptable). You do not need to provide an English score until you passed Step 2 above, but note that we cannot make an offer (Step 3) until you meet the Department of Computer Science minimum English requirements (See: https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/future/international/english) and provide an official MSc. transcript.