Are you passionate about advancing secure data exchange in data-sensitive applications? Have you always wanted to contribute to cutting-edge research that impacts privacy in critical sectors like healthcare?

We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher to join our team, backed by a newly awarded grant aimed at enhancing secure data processing in sensitive and intensive applications. Building on the success of the Enabling Personal Interventions (EPI) project, which focused on health applications with stringent data privacy requirements, this new research initiative will push the boundaries of secure data exchange.

This research work will result in a flexible data software infrastructure, providing a foundation for future research in distributed and secure data management. We will build on top of the Brane framework. While immediate applications are anticipated in the health domain, the broader relevance of our work is evident. The municipality of Amsterdam, for example, recognizes the significance of our work in the context of the AmDeX project. The proposed solution can serve as a foundational reference architecture for the AmDeX project and similar initiatives.

You will be embedded in the MNS group. The group focuses its research on the fundamental architectural problems that arise from the interconnection of systems and of data flows. We look at the emerging architectures that can support the operations of the future Internet. More information can be found here

What are you going to do?
In this role, you are expected to Conduct Independent Research: Lead research in secure data exchange, focusing on the coordination and monitoring of data processing tasks across geographically distributed and independent computing resources.

• Integrate EPI Results: Build upon the outcomes of the Enabling Personal Interventions (EPI) project by integrating key advancements in data pipeline orchestration, federated learning, data privacy, and traffic redirection. Using the current BRANE software, you will develop a test suite to evaluate the platform's performance.
• Identify Areas for Improvement: Assess and identify potential improvements in data pipeline orchestration, federated learning, data privacy, and traffic redirection, proposing solutions to enhance these areas.
• Contribute to developing new Proof of Concept: Based on the established architecture, you will develop a new PoC and test it using the software suite, ensuring its effectiveness and applicability.
• Your work should lead to publications in peer-reviewed international journals.

Your profile
Your Experience and Profile:

• PhD Degree: Completed or near completion in a relevant discipline such as computer science, electrical and computer engineering, security and network engineering, or a related field.
• Programming Expertise: Strong programming skills in Python, C, and Rust.
• Relevant Experience: Prior experience with distributed systems, cloud-native approaches, virtualization, containers, and programmable networking technologies.
• Team Collaboration: Willingness to actively participate in an international research team.
• Communication Skills: Fluency in both oral and written English, along with strong presentation abilities.
• Work Environment: A commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, diverse, and supportive work environment

Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 18 months with a probationary period of two months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10) .This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

The MultiScale Networked Systems (MNS) group is part of the Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam. The group focusses its research on multiscale systems e.g. cloud systems or clusters that define themselves by their dynamic size and scale, and on the network connecting them. The MNS group explores the emerging architectures that can support emerging applications across the future internet.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• E: Dr.Adam Belloum, A.S.Z.Belloum@uva.nl
• T: +31 6 38 56 09 95

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 27 October 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, please try using a VPN connection when outside of the European Union. Please reach out directly to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.