Job Description

Reykjavík University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in cybersecurity to join the FrostShield research project, funded by Rannis. The position focuses on developing advanced, AI-supported cyber defence solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The postdoc will work at the intersection of cybersecurity, machine learning, and human centered system design, contributing to the research on privacy aware monitoring, attacker modelling, and adaptive response strategies, in close collaboration with faculty members and students in the Frostbyte research centre.

Research focus

The FrostShield project aims to develop practical cyber defence solutions for SMEs by combining lightweight, privacy-aware monitoring with machine learning methods for threat detection, attacker modelling, and automated adaptive response. A key aspect of the research is ensuring that these methods remain understandable and usable in practice, supporting human decision making rather than replacing it. The goal is to integrate monitoring, analysis, and response into a coherent system that is effective, privacy respecting and deployable in real world environments.

Responsibilities

• Research on machine learning techniques for attacker modelling and the design of adaptive response strategies
• Collaborate closely with faculty members and support the coordination of day to day research activities, including integration across work packages and tasks
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior researchers
• Collaborate with project partners and contribute to publications and software outputs

Required qualifications

• PhD in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field
• Strong background in cybersecurity and/or applied machine learning
• Interest in applied cybersecurity research with real-world impact
• Proficiency in Python and relevant ML frameworks
• Strong publication record in top tier venues

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with adversarial machine learning, intrusion detection, and attacker modelling
• Familiarity with privacy preserving techniques and explainable AI
• Experience working in collaborative or interdisciplinary research projects

We offer

• A fully funded 3 year postdoctoral position
• Access to Frostbyte lab cybersecurity infrastructure
• Opportunities for collaboration with academic and industry partners
• Conducting research in an international work environment
• Competitive salary according to Reykjavik University scales

Duration: 3 years (fixed-term)

Start date: Negotiable

Application: Please submit a CV, a short cover letter, most relevant publications demonstrating relevant expertise (max. 3), and contact details for 2 to 3 references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For further information about the position contact Hans P. Reisern (hansr@ru.is).

About Reykjavik University (RU)

Reykjavík University has around 3.700 students and 300 faculty and employees in addition to numerous adjunct faculty in two schools: Technology and Social Sciences. We offer a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to work and live. The University is centrally located in Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. The role of Reykjavik University is to create and disseminate knowledge to enhance the competitiveness and quality of life for individuals and society, guided by good ethics, sustainability, and responsibility. Education and research at RU are based on strong ties with industry and society. We emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, international relations, and entrepreneurship.

About Iceland

Iceland is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with volcanoes, hot springs, lava fields and glaciers offering a dramatic landscape. It consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live. It offers a high quality of life and is one of the safest places in the world, with high gender equality and strong healthcare and social support systems. Reykjavik is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that provides an ideal environment for combining cultural and family activities with an active lifestyle.