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Cybersecurity and Networks● OpenPreview

PhD Position in Secure Multi-Stakeholder 6G Orchestration

Develop next-generation secure orchestration systems for 6G multi-stakeholder networks in a collaborative research consortium.

Best for:Best for computer science master’s graduates with a strong interest in secure distributed systems, AI-driven networking, and collaborative research in 6G technologies.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) · Delft, Netherlands · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
secure distributed systems6G network orchestrationmulti-stakeholder network securityAI-driven network softwaretrust and attestation mechanismssoftware-defined networking (SDN)
Deadline
Nov 1, 2026
18 days
Funding
Salaried
€3.2k–€4.1k/mo
Start date
flexible (expected soon after selection)
Full-time
Location
Delft
Netherlands

Overview

This PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) focuses on designing, building, and evaluating secure management and orchestration (MANO) systems for 6G networks. The project, part of the Dutch 6G flagship project Future Network Services (FNS), addresses critical challenges in multi-stakeholder environments where network functions are distributed across devices, base stations, edge sites, and clouds. The research aims to ensure trust, security, and dependability in dynamic, heterogeneous infrastructures. The successful candidate will collaborate with industry partners, contribute to open-source platforms, and validate solutions on experimental testbeds. The position offers interdisciplinary training in 5G/6G networks, AI, and software development within a vibrant, international research community.

6G networkssecure orchestrationmulti-stakeholder collaborationAI in networkingtrustworthy computingdistributed systems securitynetwork management systemssoftware-defined infrastructure

What you'll do

  • Design and develop secure management and orchestration (MANO) systems for 6G multi-stakeholder networks.
  • Investigate trust and attestation mechanisms for dynamic, heterogeneous network infrastructures.
  • Develop AI-driven techniques to ensure secure placement and migration of network functions across devices and clouds.
  • Collaborate with industrial partners to integrate research outcomes into experimental testbeds and proof-of-concept demos.
  • Extend and validate open-source orchestration platforms using FNS experimental infrastructure.
  • Conduct research and publish findings in top-tier conferences and journals within the field.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary training programs in 5G/6G networks, AI, and software development.
  • Present research progress at internal and external conferences and workshops.

Requirements

Degree required: Master of Science (MSc) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; proficiency at a level sufficient for academic research, collaboration, and thesis writing (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Proven academic background in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, Java).
  • Familiarity with network protocols, distributed systems, and software-defined networking (SDN).
  • Experience with AI/ML techniques and their application in networking.
  • Ability to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Nice to have
Experience with open-source orchestration platforms (e.g., OpenStack, ONOS).Knowledge of hardware security and trust mechanisms.Background in cybersecurity or secure distributed systems.Experience with experimental network testbeds or simulations.
Eligibility
  • Applicants must have, or be about to receive, a Master of Science degree in a relevant field.
  • No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
  • No age limits or prior experience caps specified.

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
€3.2k–€4.1k/mo
Duration
4 years (2 contracts: initial 1.5 years, followed by 2.5 years if performance meets expectations)
Programme
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-01

Applicants must submit their application via the university’s online portal before the deadline. The application should include a CV, a motivational letter, and copies of BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts. Applications will be evaluated on academic record, interviews, and possibly assignments. No email or postal submissions are accepted.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Motivational letter
  • Copies of BSc and MSc degrees
  • Copies of BSc and MSc transcripts
↗Apply on site

Contact

Nitinder Mohan· Supervisor

n.mohan@tudelft.nl

NM
Prof.
Nitinder Mohan
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Lab
Future Network Services (FNS) Flagship Project
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Netherlands
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