Seeking Passionate Researchers
Are you fascinated by the ever-evolving worlds of cybersecurity and machine learning? Do you consider yourself an outlier and not afraid to question the norms? Are you a crazy thinker with entrepreneurial tendencies? Our research lab is not just a place of work; it is a hub of innovation and collaboration. More important than skillset and resume, you need to fit into our culture:
- Innate aspiration for excellence: We seek individuals with an optimistic outlook who can deliver swiftly without compromising quality standards.
- Non-mimetism: Ensure you have a compelling rationale for your actions. We don’t follow trends or external hype; instead, our decisions should ideally stem from our own comprehension of the world, anchored in the reasons guiding our actions.
- Swift pace and superior quality: We aim to progress rapidly, ensuring we move in the right direction. It is essential not to compromise quality for speed; we must achieve both concurrently.
Open Positions Right Now!
Currently, we are hiring for the following positions:
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.
Requirements:
- A strong academic background in relevant fields such as AI, Machine Learning, or Autonomous Systems.
- Demonstrated research experience or a strong interest in pursuing research in Autonomous Cybersecurity.
Meet the general admission requirements for the PhD program at our institution.
- Application Process: All candidates must meet the minimum requirements stated below 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!
We have an open Postdoc position in Autonomous Cybersecurity. We are looking for motivated candidates with a strong track of publication in both AI/ML and Cybersecurity. This position is open until filled.
At the Cyber Science Lab (CSL), 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.
At the Cyber Science Lab (CSL), we are committed to fostering a culture of open and inclusive research. Recognizing the barriers that many researchers, especially those from underdeveloped countries, face in building their profiles and accessing top research teams, we are proud to offer remote research collaboration opportunities. Through these initiatives, we aim to make impactful research more accessible and provide fair opportunities to brilliant talents worldwide.
Our Commitment to Fair and Open Research
We believe in the transformative power of collaboration and are dedicated to producing open research results and impactful publications with energetic and talented researchers from around the globe. By working together, we aspire to contribute to the greater good of society while supporting the growth and development of exceptional individuals in the field of cybersecurity and beyond.
Terms of Collaboration
Please note that these collaborations are voluntary and unpaid. Participants will have the opportunity to work on research topics suggested by CSL, dedicating at least 16 hours per week to these projects. As part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards, we reserve the right to select individuals who demonstrate a strong alignment with our research goals and values.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should send an email to adehghan@uoguelph.ca, including:
- A copy of your CV highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
- A brief statement of interest outlining your motivation for collaboration.
We are excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for advancing the frontiers of cybersecurity research. Together, let’s make a difference!
Minimum Requirements:
We are on the hunt for passionate Ph.D. and postdoctoral candidates who align well with our culture and values! If this is you, then join our journey!
- 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.
- One or more publications as the main author in reputable outlets in cybersecurity or AI specifically at IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security, IEEE Transactions on Dependable and Secure Computing, IEEE S&P, ACM CCS, USENIX, NIPS, NDSS, or AAAI.
- Strong research experience in Cybersecurity and AI, preference would go to those with research experience in autonomous cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (both written and verbal).
- Provide proof of competency in a relevant field, such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or data science.
Hiring Process
All Ph.D. and postdoctoral candidates, regardless of their background, CGPA, or track record, must go through the following process before receiving an offer:
i.
- 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.
ii.
- 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.
iii.
- 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
Ph.D. Candidates:
- 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.
Postdoc Candidates:
- Email your CV.