PhD Student position in Heterogenous Programmable Networks

Networks Data Science Group

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

The Networks Data Science group at IMDEA Networks Institute has an opening for one PhD student in the area of network programmability. The successful candidate will design original solutions for the integration of inference models in heterogeneous programmable user planes composed of a combination of programmable switches, network processing units (NPUs), and smart network interface cards (smartNICs). The studies will build upon recent research by the NDS group [1-4], with the goal to turn the transport domain of the network into an effective traffic data processor capable of performing tasks like flow classification, anomaly identification or intrusion detection at Gbps without the need for external hardware or time-consuming cross-plane interactions. The candidate will implement and evaluate the solutions in a state-of-the-art experimental platform including a variety of programmable user-plane equipment, so as to demonstrate viability and performance in industry-grade environments.

 The position offer:

• Hands-on training in network programming via the P4 language
• Hands-on training in AI/ML design and integration in programmable user planes
• An opportunity to work with production-grade switches, DPUs, and smartNICs
• A vibrant, collaborative, multi-cultural and English-speaking environment
• The prospect of publishing at top-tier venues in networking
• An advantageous path to a successful career in industry or academia [5]
• The high quality of life of the region of Madrid, Spain, where we are based.

 The position requires:

• A degree in Computer Science or related field, with a solid academic record·
• Excellent and proven programming skills
• Background in systems, preferably in the networking space
• Strong interest in applied AI/ML
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.

Candidates shall submit by the call deadline a CV, a motivation letter, and the contact details of two references through the IMDEA Networks Institute hiring portal, at:

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

Publications

[1] A.T.-J. Akem, B. Bütün, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, Practical and General- Purpose Flow-Level Inference with Random Forests in Programmable Switches, IEEE Transactions on Networking, 33(5), Oct 2025

[2] B. Bütün, D. de Andrés Hernández, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, DUNE: Distributed Inference in the User Plane, IEEE INFOCOM 2025 – Best Paper Award

[3] A.T.-J. Akem, B. Bütün, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, Jewel: Resource-Efficient Joint Packet and Flow Level Inference in Programmable Switches, IEEE INFOCOM 2024

[4] A.T.-J. Akem, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, Flowrest: Practical Flow-Level Inference in Programmable Switches with Random Forests, IEEE INFOCOM 2023

[5] https://networks.imdea.org/team/imdea-networks-team/alumni-network/

Inquiries on the position can be directed to the thesis supervisor, Dr. Marco Fiore, via email at marco.fiore@networks.imdea.org

This position could be co-funded by PROSPERO project, that will receive funding from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program in the framework of Grant Agreement No 101293102 (Grant Agreement under preparation).

 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.