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PhD Stipend in AI:HARDWARE Lab for Secure Embedded AI

PhD position

8/1/2026

University: Aalborg University
Department: Department of Electronic Systems (Cybersecurity Research Group)
Initiative / lab: AI:X initiative – AI:HARDWARE Lab
Location: Copenhagen (AAU site), Denmark
Employment type: Full‑time PhD stipend
Duration: 3 years
Start date: 15 September 2026 or soon thereafter
Deadline: 11 August 2026

Project focus:
The position focuses on Secure Embedded AI for Cyber‑Physical Energy Systems, particularly electric vehicle chargers and power‑grid infrastructure. The goal is to design secure and trustworthy AI that can run on resource‑constrained embedded devices while meeting reliability and security requirements in safety‑critical systems.

You will:

Design ML models that detect unusual, unsafe, or attacked operating conditions in cyber‑physical systems.

  • Develop data‑driven models of how faults and attacks propagate, to enable resilient AI‑based monitoring and control.

  • Study the security and integrity of deployed ML models so decisions remain trustworthy under faults or adversarial manipulation.

  • Build lightweight, real‑time models that can run on constrained hardware.

  • Implement and evaluate methods on embedded platforms and hardware prototypes, in close collaboration with a second PhD focused on secure power‑electronics design.


Research environment:

  • Part of the AI:HARDWARE Lab within the AI:X initiative, involving the Department of Electronic Systems and the Department of Energy Technology.

  • Hosted by the Cybersecurity Research Group but tightly linked to power‑electronics and energy‑systems research.


Candidate profile:

  • Master’s degree (completed or expected before start) in computer science, electrical engineering, AI, edge computing, or a closely related field.

  • Solid programming skills, especially in Python, and familiarity with modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).

  • Interest in AI security, trustworthy ML, and deployment on embedded or resource‑constrained platforms.

  • Experience with embedded systems, real‑time computing, hardware–software co‑design, FPGA or hardware‑accelerated computing is a strong plus.

  • Background in hardware/cyber‑physical security is advantageous but not mandatory.


Application package:
Applications must be submitted via Aalborg University’s online recruitment system (link in the vacancy), including:

  • Application letter stating motivation and fit.

  • CV.

  • Diplomas and transcripts (BSc and MSc).

  • Any other relevant documents.

PhD stipends are allocated only to candidates enrolled in the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design under the Danish PhD regulations.

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