PhD Student Security Engineering AI (f/m/d)

Working environment

The digitalization of modern, highly networked vehicles requires protection against digital attacks on vehicle electronics. The Car Security department is responsible for the cybersecurity of vehicles in the Technical Development division of the Volkswagen brand. It works closely with international research and development partners to design methods, tools, processes, technologies, and architectures for protecting future vehicles. Security engineering systematically accompanies the development of complex vehicle systems, from early detection of future threats and measures across all development phases to the approval of appropriately protected systems for series production. You will research the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for the security engineering of future vehicle systems. Join us in shaping the future of secure mobility – apply now and become part of our innovative team!

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Analyzing, assessing, and evaluating the benefits of applying artificial intelligence methods in security engineering within vehicle development
• Designing and testing the application of selected artificial intelligence methods for the creation, verification, and validation of security cases for vehicle systems
• Designing and evaluating procedures for testing artificial intelligence methods in security engineering for development scopes subject to homologation and certification

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate. Supervision requests can be arranged through existing collaborations between Volkswagen and universities / research institutions.

Qualification requirements

• Very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in engineering, natural sciences, computer science, or comparable fields of study
• Relevant theoretical and practical experience with AI methods and technologies
• Enthusiasm for cybersecurity
• Initiative and ability to work in a team
• Systematic and independent way of working
• English and German language level B2

Keywords

Automotive Security, IT Security, Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL), Secure Product Development, ISO 21434, Deep Learning, Explainable AI (XAI), Trustworthy AI, Dissertation

What we offer

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
• 35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
• Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel