PhD Student position in 6G Security, Privacy, and AI (PAISES-6G Project)

NETCOM Lab

Deadline for receipt of applications: February 15th, 2026 23:59 AoE (16 February 2026, 13:59h Europe/Madrid Time)

The NETCOM Lab at IMDEA Networks invites applications for a PhD position in the area of 6G security, privacy, and AI under the supervision of Albert Banchs. This position is part of PAISES-6G (“Pioneering AI-Enhanced Secure 6G Services Framework”), a major Horizon Europe project (JU-SNS-2025). The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research on privacy-preserving solutions, secure AI deployment, and trusted Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS) for 6G networks. The research will focus on developing security frameworks for next-generation networks, with emphasis on preventing data leakage and inference attacks in multi-stakeholder environments. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with top industrial partners and leading academic institutions across Europe, and contribute to the deployment and testing of prototypes in the NextTonic open innovation laboratory.

 Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Privacy-preserving solutions for 6G services and multi-stakeholder environments
• Security frameworks for Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS)
• AI-driven security architectures (AI-SECaaS)
• Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs)
• Experimental validation in real-world testbeds

The position offers:

• Full time contract with a competitive salary
• Opportunity to work on a high-profile European consortium
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the 5Tonic testbed
• Collaboration with top industrial partners and leading academic institutions across Europe
• A vibrant, collaborative, international and English-speaking environment
• The prospect to publish at top-tier venues in networking and security
• Mentorship and guidance toward a successful doctoral degree and academic career
• Opportunity to attend international conferences and workshops

The position requires:

• Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field, with a solid academic record
• Strong foundation in Network Security, Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs), or Applied Cryptography
• Basic knowledge of B5G/6G architectures (O-RAN, SDN/NFV) is desirable
• Programming skills (Python, C/C++, or similar)
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Strong motivation for research and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Prior experience with research projects or publications is an advantage but not required

Candidates should submit by the call deadline a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and two references through the IMDEA Networks Institute hiring portal 

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