PhD Position in Detecting Dangerous Browser Extensions
Develop automated tools and methods to detect and mitigate dangerous browser extensions at scale.
Best for:Best for computer science graduates with a background in cybersecurity, Python programming, and web security interests.
Overview
This 3-year doctoral position is offered by Inria at the Université Côte d'Azur research center in Sophia Antipolis, France. Funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) under the EXPELLIARMUS project led by Dr. Aurore Fass and supervised within Dr. Nataliia Bielova's research team, the project focuses on identifying, analyzing, and neutralizing dangerous browser extensions to protect user security and privacy. The successful candidate will build large-scale datasets, create a systematic taxonomy of dangerous behaviors, and design automated detection mechanisms using static analysis, dynamic analysis, machine learning, and large language models. Applicants are expected to hold a Master's degree in computer science or cybersecurity and demonstrate a strong foundation in Python and web technologies.
What you'll do
- Generate large-scale datasets of browser extensions across multiple web stores such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
- Establish a systematic and comprehensive taxonomy of dangerous browser extension behaviors and risks
- Design novel, automated, and explainable detection methods combining JavaScript static and lightweight dynamic analysis
- Explore predictive machine learning and large language models to build interpretable and adaptable detection models
- Collaborate with a postdoctoral researcher to study how stakeholders understand and manage browser extension risks
Requirements
Degree required: Master degree in Computer Science or equivalent
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 level or higher
Instruction: English
- Strong background in Computer Science with a major ideally in Cybersecurity
- Solid programming skills in Python
- Basic background in Web Security & Privacy
- Proficiency in spoken and written English at C1 level or higher
- Hold a Master's degree or equivalent prior to appointment
Funding & terms
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Inria recruitment portal by following the online application link. Ensure all required documentation including academic transcripts and CV are prepared in advance.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
Contact
Nataliia Bielova· Research Team Leader
https://www-sop.inria.fr/members/Nataliia.Bielova/index.html
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