Doctoral Researcher

le contenu du travail

Offer Description

MSc computer science/engineer position in the field of « Security of Internet of Things networking systems »

Networking Lab, Computer Science Department – Sciences Faculty

Head of research unit: Prof. Bruno Quoitin

Description Of The Project

Ensuring the security of computer networks has become a research subject of utmost importance as many examples in the news have recently shown.In this frame, the CYBERWAL project funded by Wallonia (Region of Belgium) aims to federate partners active in the domain of cybersecurity like universities, research centres, ICT competence centres and public representatives. UMONS takes part to this project.

The Networking lab of the Computer Science Department (Faculty of Science) of UMONS has research activities, mostly in the MAC and Network layers of the OSI model, with a focus on low-power radio access and scheduling mechanisms as well as dynamic routing protocols.

In the frame of the CYBERWAL project, we are looking for a MSc candidate to complete a PhD thesis (4 years duration) on the subject of “Security of Internet of Things networking systems”. The proposed research is focused on enhancing the security of LPWAN (e.g. LoRaWAN) and LRWPAN (e.g. IEEE 802.15.4/6TiSCH) technologies, through different approaches such as analysing existing security protocols, providing new end-device authentication protocols and monitoring networks.

Job Description

We are looking for a candidate with a master’s degree in computer science, or in the field of engineering with a focus on telecommunication, computer or electronics, or a related discipline. The main steps and objectives of the research are:

Review state of the art in LPWAN and LRWPAN security, with a focus on LoRaWAN and IEEE 802.15.4-based standard networks stacks

Propose, validate, implement and evaluate new protocols allowing end devices to securely join a LoRaWAN or 802.15.4 network, authenticate themselves, authenticate other nodes or the network coordinator, derive security material required for secure data exchanges, improving on the existing approaches relying on pre-shared keys.

Investigate and experiment with cross-layer security mechanisms such as using physical or network layer characteristics, e.g. fingerprinting based on RF signal captured with a Software Defined Radio (SDR)

Make the above proposals practical and integrate them in test beds or in real world deployments

The work will be performed at the Networking Lab, Computer Science Department, Faculty of Science premises in the nice city of Mons (www.mons.be ).

Contract period: 01/09/2022 to 31/08/2026

Profile Description

Master’s degree in Computer Science or in the field of Engineering with a focus on Telecommunications, Computer Science or Electronics.

Solid technical background in computer networks and cybersecurity.

Excellent computer and embedded system programming skills.

Knowledge of the PHY layer and digital signal processing are a plus.

Autonomy, rigour, good written and oral communication skills.

Good knowledge of French and English (minimum B2).

Application Procedure

Applications must include a letter of motivation, a CV (including academic results) and a copy of obtained diplomas and certificates and should be sent by e-mail to bruno.quoitin@umons.ac.be.

Deadline for application: 30/06/2022

Contact point for any questions:bruno.quoitin@umons.ac.be

Important Notes

Applications that are incomplete, do not meet the description profile or are sent after the deadline will not be considered.

No acknowledgement of receipt of applications will be sent.

Retrouvez toutes nos offres sur : https://web.umons.ac.be/fr/emploi-euraxess/

požadavky

zkušenosti/kvalifikace

Master’s degree in Computer Science or in the field of Engineering with a focus on Telecommunications, Computer Science or Electronics.

Solid technical background in computer networks and cybersecurity.

Excellent computer and embedded system programming skills.

Knowledge of the PHY layer and digital signal processing are a plus.

Autonomy, rigour, good written and oral communication skills.

Good knowledge of French and English (minimum B2).