PhD position in Smartphone Baseband Security Analysis and Mitigation

Secure Mobile Systems Group

Deadline for receipt of applications: April 14, 2026 23:59 AoE (15 April 2026, 13:59h Europe/Madrid Time)

The IMDEA Networks Institute offers one partially funded PhD position in the area of Smartphone Baseband Security Analysis and Mitigation. The research associate will contribute to the newly established Secure Mobile Systems Group. The main focus of the work will be the resilience and security of smartphone basebands with direct satellite connectivity. This involves investigating and optimizing the wireless baseband chips, their firmware, the smartphone operating systems, the associated smartphone ICT ecosystem, and the related mobile and satellite systems. Employed methods include reverse engineering to understand black-box behavior, as well as the design, implementation, and experimental evaluation of solutions to increase the resilience, security, and performance of these systems. The research associate will contribute to building up the newly founded Secure Mobile Systems Group. 

International collaboration:

• the position constitutes a collaboration between IMDEA Networks, Spain and Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. Both organizations fund parts of the position. Special conditions apply.

The position offers:

• a unique opportunity to investigate state-of-the-art mobile systems
• the prospect to publish at top-tier venues in mobile systems 
• a vibrant, collaborative, multi-cultural and English-speaking environment
• a strong international component with a German collaboration partner 
• the high quality of life of the region of Madrid, Spain, as well as the Rhine-Main region in Germany where the partner labs is based

The position requires:

• an MSc degree in Computer Science, with excellent academic record
• excellent knowledge of the latest generation of 5G wireless baseband chips
• expertise in system-level programming within the Apple ecosystem (iOS, macOS)
• comprehensive knowledge in the field of cybersecurity
• expert knowledge of reverse engineering mobile devices/smartphones
• documented experience in developing mobile applications for iOS
• fluency in written and spoken English, fluency in written and spoken German
• enthusiasm for research of complex real-world ICT ecosystems

Inquiries on the position can be directed via mail to the supervisor

• Matthias Hollick (matthias.hollick@networks.imdea.org).

Candidates shall submit by the call deadline a CV, a motivation letter, and two reference letters through the IMDEA Networks Institute hiring portal, at:

https://careers.networks.imdea.org/

Equal Employment Opportunity

IMDEA Networks Institute aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore qualified female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Until a balanced ratio of men and women has been achieved at the institute, preference will be given to women if applicants have similar qualifications. IMDEA Networks Institute actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities. Applicants are not to be discriminated against in personnel selection procedures on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or ideology, age, sexual orientation (anti-discrimination). People with disabilities who have the relevant qualifications are expressly invited to apply.