University of Limerick | Post Doctoral Researcher (Level 1 or Level 2) in AI for Cybersecurity

Call for Applications: Post Doctoral Researcher (Level 1 or Level 2) in AI for Cybersecurity

The University of Limerick (UL), Ireland, officially invites applications for the position of Post Doctoral Researcher (Level 1 or Level 2) in AI for Cybersecurity within the Department of Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. This position is structured under the university's Researcher Career Framework Contract, providing a dual pathway focused on delivering cutting-edge research outputs and fostering advanced professional career development.

Position Overview & Compensation

• Location: University of Limerick, Ireland

• Contract Type: Specific Purpose Contract

• Reporting To: Project Leader

• Salary Scales:

  • Level 1: €47,273 - €53,925 p.a. pro rata

  • Level 2: €55,399 - €60,250 p.a. pro rata (Maximum starting salary is €55,399 p.a. pro rata)

Core Research Focus & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team as a senior member, serving as a key contributor to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) North South Research Programme Cyber Unite and other collaborative projects. Primary research domains include:

• Trustworthy & Explainable AI (XAI): Advancing human-centric explainability, transparency, accountability, and decision-support systems for security analysts.

• Agentic AI: Developing and evaluating autonomous and semi-autonomous AI agents tailored for threat detection, reasoning, orchestration, and cyber defense.

• System Security: Securing complex digital networks, cyber-physical systems (CPS), and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

• Testbeds & Prototyping: Designing, building, and maintaining cyber ranges, digital twins, and hardware/software testbeds to simulate realistic attack scenarios.

• Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day project milestones, co-supervising junior research assistants and PhD students, and engaging with industry partners to co-design technical and educational solutions.

• Dissemination: Publishing empirical findings in leading peer-reviewed journals, contributing to open-source toolsets, and drafting micro-credentials for knowledge transfer.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

Essential Criteria (Level 1):

• A completed Doctoral degree (Level 10 NFQ), or near completion (applicants must state their expected viva date), in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related numerate discipline with an emphasis on cybersecurity, AI, or cyber-physical systems.

• A minimum of three publications in high-impact journals or conferences covering Artificial Intelligence, Explainable AI, cybersecurity, network anomaly detection, or machine learning.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Additional Essential Criteria (Level 2):

• A minimum of five publications in the fields of AI, XAI, cybersecurity, network anomaly detection, or machine learning within high-impact journals.

• A minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral research experience (or equivalent high-level industry experience).

Desirable Criteria:

• Practical experience working with or within industrial sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in project management and simulating cyber-attack scenarios.

• Proven competency in report writing, grant formulation, and co-supervising students or research staff.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted online and must include specific details regarding the applicant's academic history. Portfolios should feature:

1. PhD Thesis Title: Full title along with a summary highlighting its field significance.

2. Publications & Presentations: A comprehensive list of published works (including active web links) and academic conference presentations.

3. Grants: A summary of previously drafted grants, highlighting funding secured and project contributions.

4. Narrative CV: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a qualitative narrative CV detailing the broader context and impact of their research journey, personal reflections on professional milestones, and applied core competencies.

How to Apply & Timeline

• Application Portal: All submissions must be completed online via the official portal at www.ul.ie/hrvacancies.

• Submission Deadline: Before 12:00 Noon Irish Standard Time (IST) on the advertised closing date.

• Selection Process: Follows a strict three-stage recruitment procedure comprising essential criteria screening, shortlist selection by the board, and a formal interview process including a presentation (conducted in-person or via Microsoft Teams).

Note: The University of Limerick is committed to Open, Transparent, and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) principles and is an equal opportunities employer. Successful candidates will be required to forward official academic transcripts via email to the Selection Committee Chair post-interview before any formal contract can be generated.