HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.
In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," "Security," and "Business and Society" researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany.
In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for a
Research Assistant / PhD student / Postdoc (m/f/x)
The position is temporary and full-time.
Smartphones have become indispensable companions in our daily lives – constantly connected to the Internet, conveniently carried in our pocket. What enables us to capture meaningful moments on camera and share these with friends any raises significant security concerns. For high-risk individuals, such as journalists, activists, and politicians, smartphones can become powerful surveillance tools in the wrong hands.
Our research in the group “Mobile & Wireless Security” focuses on understanding and mitigating these risks, aiming to build more secure and privacy-respecting mobile ecosystems. We’re looking for an excellent and motivated researcher to join this group under the supervision of Jiska Classen. The position is not bound to a narrow topic but must fit into the area of the research group.
This research position is available to both new PhD candidates and Postdocs. This full-time position is available immediately. Sponsorship for a work visa can be provided.
Your potential research areas
- Reverse engineering of proprietary software: Analysis of critical attack surfaces such as mobile applications and operating systems (iOS, Android), device drivers, baseband firmware, and embedded systems, to understand security and privacy risks
- Investigating modern mitigations in hard- and software: Analyzing the effectiveness of defenses PAC, MTE, SPTM, TXM, and hardened memory allocators, with a focus on real-world applicability, costs, and their effectiveness
- Enabling interoperability in wireless ecosystems: Opening up proprietary wireless protocols and interfaces to allow secure third-party integration with open-source tools and systems
- Analysis of protocol implementations: Studying wireless network protocols via techniques such as firmware rehosting, fuzzing, and differential testing (e.g., comparing specification vs. implementation behavior), with emphasis on low-level or undocumented interfaces
- Security and privacy for at-risk populations: Developing detection and defense mechanisms against 0-click or silent attacks, spyware targeting journalists or activists, and tools to prevent stalking and intimate partner abuse in digital environments
- Analyzing and mitigating privacy leakage: Understanding how personal data is exposed across devices and networks
Your qualifications
- Strong technical background in at least one of the research areas mentioned above
- Excellent master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Demonstrated interest in applied security, e.g., through discovering real-world software vulnerabilities or active participation in CTFs
- Proficiency in spoken and written English. While the working language is English, knowledge of German is a plus but not required
- Strong analytical, communication, presentation, and academic writing skills
- Self-driven, well-organized, and able to work independently within a research team
Additional qualifications for Postdocs
- A doctoral degree (or near completion) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- Proven research experience in a relevant area, with a publication record commensurate with the candidate’s career stage
What we offer
- A multifaceted job, embedded in an international and dynamic working environment
- An exciting, responsible position in which you can make a difference
- Regular training opportunities; insight into scientific research
- Regular team events and workshops
- Attractive employee offers (corporate benefits)
- Company-subsidized public transportation ticket/ Deutschlandticket
- Possibility to work remotely (up to 2 days a week)
- Numerous sports facilities (tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball court, calisthenics park, and participation in running events)
- Workplace on the HPI campus in Potsdam-Babelsberg (Griebnitzsee S-Bahn station), with fast transportation connections to Berlin
We look forward to receiving your application documents including salary requirements and a suggested research area. Please apply exclusively via our career page.
Contact person HR-Recruiting
Tobias Pröchtel/ Nicola Mertens
+49 331 5509-425/ 428
Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH
Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3
14482 Potsdam