PhD position on the Design and Characterization of Hardware Security Methodologies for RISC-V

University of Twente
February 28, 2023
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Offerd Salary:€ 2.541
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Contract Type:Other
Working Time:Full time
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Do you want to make a difference in the emerging world of computing ushered by the open standard RISC-V?

The Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems (CAES) Chair at the University of Twente invites applications for a 4-year PhD position on the topic of "Design and characterization of Hardware Security methodologies for RISC-V."

We are looking for a talented and focused researcher with a strong background in digital design and computer architecture who has the ambition to contribute to creating novel approaches to achieve secure processor resilience against cybersecurity threats.

The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr. Ir. Marco Ottavi. During the four years appointment, the PhD student will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by joining international exchange programs, participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and visiting other research institutes and universities worldwide.

You will work within the framework of the KDT-JU-funded TRISTAN (Together for RISc-V Technology and ApplicatioNs) project. TRISTAN'S overarching aim is to expand, mature, and industrialize the European RISC-V ecosystem to compete with existing commercial alternatives.

Your project will focus on the activities:

  • Investigating the security risks to the RISC-V processor and creating new attack models based on existing vulnerabilities.
  • Developing design changes to improve the security of the RISC-V architecture against side-channel attacks and hardware Trojans in IP cores.
  • Testing the effectiveness of these solutions using microarchitectural side-channel attacks such as Meltdown and Spectre, and/or analyzing power and electromagnetic traces for side-channel analysis.
  • Also, in collaboration with the other TRISTAN PhD candidate at the CAES Chair, you will explore dual-purpose modifications to the core to obtain both security and reliability enhancement.

    Your profile
  • You are an enthusiastic researcher and highly motivated;
  • You have, or will shortly acquire, an MSc degree in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering or similar;
  • You have a strong background in digital hardware design and computer architecture;
  • You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills;
  • You have good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment;
  • You are fluent in English.
  • Our offer
  • As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
  • The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.541,- (first year) to € 3.247,- (fourth year);
  • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
  • You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
  • We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.
  • Information and application

    Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below until February 28 , and include:

  • A motivation letter emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a PhD position in our group.
  • A full Curriculum Vitae including your publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.
  • An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.
  • A short description of your MSc thesis/final project.
  • References (contact information) of two scientific staff members (one of whom should be the supervisor of your MSc thesis/final project) who are willing to provide a recommendation letter at our request.
  • For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Ir. Marco Ottavi, Email: [email protected]

    The first interviews are on March 7. Please take this into account.

    About the department

    You will work in the Dependable Computing Systems (DCS) Group at the CAES chair of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Sciences (EEMCS), University of Twente. The Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems (CAES) Chair conducts research and education in computer architecture and computing systems, with a particular emphasis on embedded systems. The mission of the DCS group is to design and test new computing systems that are both secure and reliable by exploring new ideas and techniques.

    About the organisation

    The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

    How to apply Step 1

    Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

    Step 2

    Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

    Step 3

    1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

    Step 4

    2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

    Step 5

    The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

    Want to know more? Ottavi, M. (Marco)

    Associate Professor

    Ottavi, M. (Marco)

    Associate Professor

    Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Marco for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

    Contact

    Phone:+31534897611

    Email:[email protected]

    Your Colleagues
  • Alachiotis, N. (Nikolaos)
  • Personal page

  • Chen, K.H. (Kuan)
  • Personal page

  • Endres Forlin, B. (Bruno)
  • Personal page

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