Institution: Simula Cybersecurity, Oslo, Norway
Join us and contribute to a more secure digital Norway!
We are in the process of establishing a new and ambitious research center focused on generating evidence-based knowledge about the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures implemented in Norwegian organizations. Our goal is to strengthen the ability of Norwegian organizations, including those who provide services of high criticality, to make informed decisions about cybersecurity investments and contribute to a more robust and trustworthy digital society.
Current Challenges:
Norwegian organizations face an increasingly complex and sophisticated threat landscape, including advanced attacks from state-sponsored actors and organized criminal groups. This happens simultaneously with societies' increased adoption and dependence on digital infrastructures and services to operate through times of peace, crisis and war. There is a significant need for research that documents and quantifies the real impact of different security controls to ensure effective investments and increased resilience, and ultimately an improved total defence of Norway.
Your Role with us:
As part of our cybersecurity research group, you will conduct innovative research to address these pressing challenges. Your work will focus on methods for measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented security measures in Norwegian contexts. You will contribute to developing a solid knowledge base that helps organizations understand what truly works to protect their digital assets. Collaboration with industry and government stakeholders will be key to ensuring the research's relevance, data access, and practical utility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop methodologies and metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of various cybersecurity controls.
- Conduct empirical studies and analyze data from Norwegian organizations to assess the impact of security measures in real-world scenarios.
- Explore cost-benefit analyses of different security implementations.
- Contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations and best practices for cybersecurity investments in Norway.
- Publish research findings in recognized academic journals and conferences.
- Present research at workshops, seminars, and industry events.
- Actively collaborate with other researchers and partners from industry and the public sector.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
- Solid background in fundamental cybersecurity principles.
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistical analysis is an advantage.
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English and preferably Norwegian.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with machine learning and data analysis.
- Familiarity with frameworks and standards for security metrics and evaluation.
- Experience with data collection and analysis in real-world settings.
- Understanding of the Norwegian cybersecurity landscape and relevant regulations in Norway and EU.
- Experience with multidisciplinary collaboration.
Why work with us?
- The opportunity to be part of building a new and important research center from the ground up.
- A dynamic and supportive research culture focused on real societal impact.
- The opportunity to shape future decisions about cybersecurity in Norway through your research.
- Collaboration with leading experts and actors in cybersecurity in Norway and internationally.
- Access to necessary research resources and infrastructure.
- A vibrant, international work environment (currently 185 researchers from 35 countries) located in Oslo.
- Competitive employment terms,
- Generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, subsidized canteen meals, access to company cabin, sponsored social events.
- Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc.
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, following Norwegian PhD/PostDoc salary scales. Starting from NOK 536,200 for PhD students, and NOK 575,400 for Postdocs.
About Simula
Our Research Environment: At Simula, we enable a research environment that values collaboration and minimizes traditional hierarchies. Researchers at all levels work as colleagues alongside senior scientists, fostering an atmosphere where innovative ideas are judged on merit. Our Oslo headquarters acts as a hub for discovery, featuring specialized research labs, HPC clusters, and collaborative spaces designed to spark interdisciplinary breakthroughs. You will join a diverse international community bringing varied perspectives to tackle complex global challenges.
Beyond Research Papers: Simula actively translates research into real-world impact. We maintain strong connections with industry partners, government agencies, and tech startups eager to apply our findings. Your research can directly influence how AI systems are designed, deployed, and governed in critical sectors. We have a track record of successfully spinning out companies from our research, and researchers with entrepreneurial interests can access innovation support and connect with Norway's dynamic tech ecosystem.
Life at Simula & Oslo: We embrace Norway's progressive approach to work-life balance, ensuring you have time for both impactful research and personal well-being through generous holiday allowances and flexible working arrangements. Oslo, consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities, offers an exceptional quality of life. Enjoy its vibrant culture, urban amenities, and unparalleled access to stunning natural landscapes, fjords, forests, and mountains perfect for year-round outdoor activities. Furthermore, Simula encourages participation in science communication and outreach, helping you develop broader skills and share your passion for technology.
We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance in science. We particularly welcome applications from women, who are currently underrepresented in this research field. We believe diverse teams drive innovation and lead to better research outcomes.
Apply now and become part of the team that creates knowledge for a more secure digital Norway!
Application requirements
Qualified candidates should submit the following documents through our online portal:
- Curriculum vitae: summarize your educational background, working experience (in particular, any relevant academic or industrial work), list of scientific publications if any, language skills etc,
- A cover letter explaining your research interests and how your skills and experience are relevant to this position,
- A sample of your previous research work (e.g., master's thesis, publication),
- Contact Information: Names and contact details for 2-3 professional or academic references.
Application Deadline: June 8, 2025. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and the expected starting date will be in August-September 2025.
For inquiries about the position, please contact:
Jostein Jensen, Director of Simula Cyber Security: jostein@simula.no
We look forward to receiving your application!
Simula Research Laboratory uses background checks in our recruitment process.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
Employment for this position will be made according to the act relating to Control of the export of strategic goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and any attachments are considered to be in conflict with the export control regulations will not qualify for this position.