We are looking for a researcher in cybersecurity to join our Coherent Security Research Programme 

Laurea University of Applied Sciences invite applications for a researcher position with a focus on cybersecurity. We are looking for candidates with strong expertise and interest in adversarial machine learning (including attacks on and defenses for generative AI models and systems) and/or in cybersecurity regulation and standards compliance. More broadly, your research may focus on trustworthy and compliant AI, the responsible use and resilience of AI and other emerging technologies, and on countering their misuse and abuse by cyber criminals and nation-state actors. 

A central objective of your role is to advance the security and trustworthiness of the digital environment, particularly in the context of the increasing use of AI and other emerging technologies. Your work will also generate tangible benefits for society through innovations that strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of public authorities, security practitioners, industry, and citizens. In this position, you will apply for external research, development, and innovation (RDI) funding and lead funded projects, conduct and publish high-quality research, help integrate your research themes into Laurea’s education programs, and supervise student theses. 

The position is closely connected to the Coherent Security Research Programme, one of Laurea’s three strategic research programmes. Laurea is widely recognized for its strong track record in safety and security-focused RDI activities. Currently, Laurea holds the largest share of Horizon Europe funding among all Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, with most projects aligned with the Coherent Security Research Programme. Aligned with its strategic goals, Laurea emphasizes a human-centred approach to technology and promotes the sustainable role of technology in shaping the future.  

What we will expect from you 

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field 
• Expertise in one or several of the following domains: 
  • Responsible use and resilience of AI and other emerging technologies (e.g., robotics, extended reality), preventing and mitigating their malicious use and abuse by threat actors (including law enforcement support) 
  • European cybersecurity and AI regulation (such as CER and NIS2 Directives, Cyber Resilience Act, AI Act), standards, and certification schemes 
  • Adversarial machine learning (including AI models and systems security at design time, training time, via testing, and at inference time) 
• Experience in high-level academic publishing  
• Demonstrated success in applying for and securing research funding, preferably collaborative European research projects 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English 

What we would also like from you 

• Experience in security analysis of technologies and services 
• Experience in connecting regulatory and technical requirements in cybersecurity 
• Knowledge of the security compliance of products and services 
• Programming skills in one or more popular languages 
• Familiarity with methodologies and frameworks for technology impact assessment and societal acceptance 
• Experience in student thesis supervision  
• Proven experience in project management 
• Experience in international teamwork and good collaboration skills 
• Genuine motivation for professional growth and development 
• Basics of Finnish to support the integration to work community  

This position is a researcher track position and more information on the researcher track at Laurea University of Applied Sciences can be found here: Researcher career track recruitment and promotion procedures - Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu.

The recruiting process includes assessment of top candidates by external reviewers. The top applicants will be given these assessments, including the names of the other top candidates. Please attach your CV using this CV model: template of researchers-curriculum-vitae and your list of publications. The deadline for submitting your application is 15th of March 2026. 

Further information: Vice President (RDI) Mari Vuolteenaho +358 50 4085 951 (February 26th, 2026, 14.30 - 15.30, and March 2nd, 2026, 8.00 - 9.00, both Finland time), mari.vuolteenaho@laurea.fi. Research Programme Director (Coherent Security) Jarmo Seppälä +358 50 5364 518 (March 9th 13.00 - 14.00, March 11th 15.00 - 16.00, Finland time), jarmo.seppala@laurea.fi.