Researcher, Cyber security

Introduction to the Researcher, Cyber security Role

Laurea University of Applied Sciences is seeking a dedicated Researcher in Cyber security to join its esteemed Coherent Security Research Programme. This position focuses on advancing the security and trustworthiness of the digital environment, particularly concerning the escalating use of AI and other emerging technologies.

We are looking for candidates with strong expertise in adversarial machine learning, including attacks on and defenses for generative AI models and systems, and/or in cybersecurity regulation and standards compliance. Your research will contribute significantly to trustworthy and compliant AI, promoting the responsible use and resilience of AI, and actively countering misuse by cyber criminals and nation-state actors.

Role Objectives & Societal Impact

A central objective of this role is to generate tangible benefits for society. Through innovative research, you will strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of public authorities, security practitioners, industry, and citizens. Key responsibilities include applying for external research, development, and innovation (RDI) funding, leading funded projects, conducting and publishing high-quality research, integrating research themes into Laurea’s education programs, and supervising student theses.

About Laurea University of Applied Sciences

This position is closely connected to the Coherent Security Research Programme, one of Laurea’s three strategic research programmes. Laurea is renowned for its strong track record in safety and security-focused RDI activities, holding the largest share of Horizon Europe funding among Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, with most projects aligned with the Coherent Security Research Programme. Laurea upholds a human-centred approach to technology, emphasizing its sustainable role in shaping the future.

What We Will Expect From You

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field
• Expertise in one or several of the following domains:
  • Responsible use and resilience of AI and other emerging technologies (e.g., robotics, extended reality), preventing and mitigating their malicious use and abuse by threat actors (including law enforcement support)
  • European cybersecurity and AI regulation (such as CER and NIS2 Directives, Cyber Resilience Act, AI Act), standards, and certification schemes
  • Adversarial machine learning (including AI models and systems security at design time, training time, via testing, and at inference time)
• Experience in high-level academic publishing
• Demonstrated success in applying for and securing research funding, preferably collaborative European research projects
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

What We Would Also Like From You

• Experience in security analysis of technologies and services
• Experience in connecting regulatory and technical requirements in cybersecurity
• Knowledge of the security compliance of products and services
• Programming skills in one or more popular languages
• Familiarity with methodologies and frameworks for technology impact assessment and societal acceptance
• Experience in student thesis supervision
• Proven experience in project management
• Experience in international teamwork and good collaboration skills
• Genuine motivation for professional growth and development
• Basics of Finnish to support integration into the work community

This is a researcher track position. More information on Laurea University of Applied Sciences' researcher track can be found on their website.

Benefits

The annual salary ranges between 43,000 € and 52,000 € for researcher track level 1, and between 50,000 € and 65,000 € for researcher track level 2.

Key skills/competency

• Cybersecurity
• Adversarial Machine Learning
• AI Regulation (CER, NIS2, AI Act)
• Research & Development (RDI)
• Project Leadership
• Academic Publishing
• Funding Acquisition
• AI Systems Security
• Emerging Technologies
• Compliance Standards