University of Limerick | Post Doctoral Researcher (Level 1 or Level 2) in AI for Cybersecurity

Call for Applications: Post Doctoral Researcher (Level 1 or Level 2) in AI for Cybersecurity

The University of Limerick (UL), Ireland, officially invites applications for the position of Post Doctoral Researcher (Level 1 or Level 2) in AI for Cybersecurity within the Department of Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. This position is structured under the university's Researcher Career Framework Contract, providing a dual pathway focused on delivering cutting-edge research outputs and fostering advanced professional career development.

University of Limerick Overview

• Location: University of Limerick, Ireland

• Contract Type: Specific Purpose Contract

• Reporting To: Project Leader

• Salary Scales:

  • Level 1: €47,273 - €53,925 p.a. pro rata

  • Level 2: €55,399 - €60,250 p.a. pro rata (Maximum starting salary is €55,399 p.a. pro rata)

Core Research Focus & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team as a senior member, serving as a key contributor to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) North South Research Programme Cyber Unite and other collaborative projects. Primary research domains include:

• Trustworthy & Explainable AI (XAI): Advancing human-centric explainability, transparency, accountability, and decision-support systems for security analysts.

• Agentic AI: Developing and evaluating autonomous and semi-autonomous AI agents tailored for threat detection, reasoning, orchestration, and cyber defense.

• System Security: Securing complex digital networks, cyber-physical systems (CPS), and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

• Testbeds & Prototyping: Designing, building, and maintaining cyber ranges, digital twins, and hardware/software testbeds to simulate realistic attack scenarios.

• Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day project milestones, co-supervising junior research assistants and PhD students, and engaging with industry partners to co-design technical and educational solutions.

• Dissemination: Publishing empirical findings in leading peer-reviewed journals, contributing to open-source toolsets, and drafting micro-credentials for knowledge transfer.

University of Limerick Eligibility Criteria 2026

Essential Criteria (Level 1):

• A completed Doctoral degree (Level 10 NFQ), or near completion (applicants must state their expected viva date), in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related numerate discipline with an emphasis on cybersecurity, AI, or cyber-physical systems.

• A minimum of three publications in high-impact journals or conferences covering Artificial Intelligence, Explainable AI, cybersecurity, network anomaly detection, or machine learning.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Additional Essential Criteria (Level 2):

• A minimum of five publications in the fields of AI, XAI, cybersecurity, network anomaly detection, or machine learning within high-impact journals.

• A minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral research experience (or equivalent high-level industry experience).

Desirable Criteria:

• Practical experience working with or within industrial sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in project management and simulating cyber-attack scenarios.

• Proven competency in report writing, grant formulation, and co-supervising students or research staff.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted online and must include specific details regarding the applicant's academic history. Portfolios should feature:

1. PhD Thesis Title: Full title along with a summary highlighting its field significance.

2. Publications & Presentations: A comprehensive list of published works (including active web links) and academic conference presentations.

3. Grants: A summary of previously drafted grants, highlighting funding secured and project contributions.

4. Narrative CV: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a qualitative narrative CV detailing the broader context and impact of their research journey, personal reflections on professional milestones, and applied core competencies.

How to Apply for University of Limerick Recruitment 2026

• Application Portal: All submissions must be completed online via the official portal at www.ul.ie/hrvacancies.

• Submission Deadline: Before 12:00 Noon Irish Standard Time (IST) on the advertised closing date.

• Selection Process: Follows a strict three-stage recruitment procedure comprising essential criteria screening, shortlist selection by the board, and a formal interview process including a presentation (conducted in-person or via Microsoft Teams).

Note: The University of Limerick is committed to Open, Transparent, and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) principles and is an equal opportunities employer. Successful candidates will be required to forward official academic transcripts via email to the Selection Committee Chair post-interview before any formal contract can be generated.

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