PhD Positions for Resilience and Trustworthy Computing Available at URI

I am seeking applicants for one graduate or teaching assistant position working towards a PhD in the interdisciplinary research area focusing on advanced cyber security and communications networks for next-generation computing environments.

Interdisciplinary Research

This position is for a research endeavor to support PhD students whose innovative projects in cybersecurity will be able to integrate advanced computing networks and artificial intelligence to ensure the resilience of next-generation computing environments. The project combines cutting-edge cybersecurity and network technologies, e.g., programmable intrusion detection and network infrastructure, with state-of-the-art reinforcement learning and generative AI to detect, prevent, and preemptively mitigate intelligent attacker vectors.

Supportive Mentoring

Prof. Hui Lin is an Assistant Professor at the Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Rhode Island. He earned his Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017. His research interests include cybersecurity, intrusion detection systems, and software-defined networking (SDN) in the areas of cyber-physical systems, such as power systems. He has successfully adapted Zeek (originally known as Bro), a runtime network traffic analyzer, to support network protocols (e.g., DNP3) commonly used in power grid infrastructure. The DNP3 analyzer that he developed has been included in Bro and can be downloaded freely by utility companies. His current work focuses on applying SDN in cyber-physical systems; he intends to use SDN’s network programmability to design flexible cyber-physical systems that can quickly respond to cyber-attacks and accidents. He has received NSF CAREER and NSF CRII awards.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor or Master’s degrees in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or closely related areas.
  • Fundamental knowledge in cybersecurity, computer networks, or artificial intelligence.
  • Excellent organization and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

The following experiences are preferred but not mandatory; they cannot replace the requirements listed in “Required Qualifications”:

  • Competence with Linux/Unix environment, Python, and Pytorch
  • Experience in programmable network development, e.g., SDN and P4
  • Have taken calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics coursework, and possess strong proficiency in mathematical thinking and abstract reasoning.
  • Curiosity that goes across disciplinary boundaries
  • Independence and leadership in research projects

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research in cybersecurity in cyber-physical systems or Internet-of-things
  • Organize & help lab equipment and experiments
  • Publish & present in competitive conferences and journals
  • Contribute to guiding PhD/Master/undergraduate students
  • Contribute to the development of research proposals

What We Offer

  • Innovative research environment and supportive working culture
  • Excellent opportunities to enhance research experiences and collaboration with top academic/industry partners
  • Good work-life balance
  • Competitive salary
  • As an equal-opportunity employer, the University of Rhode Island encourages applications from diverse candidates. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, including women, individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other protected groups.

Application

The start time can be Spring 2025 or Fall 2025. If interested, please send your CV to huilin@uri.edu. Applications will need to go through the online application process at the Graduate School at the University of Rhode Island.