PhD Research Fellow in Knowledge-Grounded LLM Agents for Cyber Operations
Investigate neuro-symbolic AI and knowledge graphs for trustworthy defensive cybersecurity operations.
Best for:Best for computer science or AI graduates with a strong programming background and an interest in cybersecurity and large language models.
Overview
The Department of Informatics at the University of Oslo invites applications for a 3-year PhD Research Fellow position focusing on knowledge-grounded and neuro-symbolic large language models for defensive cyber operations. Working within the Digital Security Research Group in close collaboration with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), the candidate will transform heterogeneous threat intelligence into semantic graphs and leverage autonomous agents for security analysis. The role involves developing interpretable, reliable, and secure AI systems while addressing challenges such as adversarial manipulation and decision validation. The successful applicant will engage in rigorous academic research leading to a doctoral degree, with potential opportunities for teaching or research assistance.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent and collaborative academic research on knowledge-grounded and neuro-symbolic LLM agents for defensive cyber operations
- Transform heterogeneous cybersecurity intelligence and telemetry into structured knowledge representations using semantic knowledge graphs
- Develop and validate trustworthy, interpretable, and secure AI architectures capable of autonomous reasoning in security-critical environments
- Collaborate closely with researchers and co-supervisors at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI)
- Investigate the robustness and security of agentic systems against adversarial manipulation and uncertainty
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific venues and participate in international conferences
- Contribute to departmental activities, which may include up to 25% teaching, supervision, or research assistance if a fourth fellowship year is awarded
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in cybersecurity, computer science, artificial intelligence, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good oral and written communication skills
Instruction: English
Publications: Not strictly required, but previous scientific publications or research experience are considered an advantage.
- Strong foundation in computer science, artificial intelligence, or machine learning
- Demonstrated motivation or background to apply AI and ML methods to cybersecurity
- Strong programming and software development skills evidenced through projects or research
- Ability to work independently and take initiative within a collaborative research environment
- Must hold a relevant Master's degree or complete all degree requirements by 31.12.2026
- Must meet academic grade requirements (Bachelor average grade C or better, Master average grade B or better, Master thesis grade B or better in the Norwegian system)
- Must be security-eligible and able to pass background checks subject to the Norwegian Security Act
- Cannot have previously been appointed to a PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must submit their application and all required attachments digitally through the Jobbnorge recruitment system by clicking 'Apply for this job'. Ensure all academic transcripts are retrieved via Vitnemålsportalen or uploaded as certified copies in English or a Scandinavian language.
- Cover letter
- CV
- Master’s degree diploma
- Bachelor’s degree diploma
- Transcripts of records
- English language proficiency documentation
- List of publications
- 3 reference letters
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