Doctoral Researcher (Human-Centered Security and Digital Deception)

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with 16 000 students and a staff of 5200, of which more than 440 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Department of Computer Science is an internationally-oriented community and home to world-class research in modern computer science, combining research on foundations and innovative applications. With over 40 professors and more than 550 employees from 50+ countries, it is the largest department at Aalto University and the leading computer science research unit in northern Europe. Computer science research at Aalto University ranks high in several international surveys (7th in Europe and 1st in the Nordics (NTU 2023); and 88th worldwide in Times Higher Education subject ranking 2025).

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher

How can technology users judge whether a digital request is genuine when convincing messages, voices and images can be fabricated?

The research group Humans, Security and Privacy at the Computer Science Department at Aalto University is looking to hire one Doctoral Researcher in Human-Centered Security and Digital Deception (PhD student). You will be supervised by Assistant Professor Verena Distler.

Our interdisciplinary research brings together human–computer interaction, psychology, and human-centered security to understand how people experience security and privacy online, and how they respond to digital deception, including social engineering. We combine empirical research with the design and evaluation of user-centered technologies to support critical judgment, informed decision-making, and user autonomy. Please familiarize yourself with the group’s work before applying.

Your network and team

You will work closely with your supervisor and the research group. The department also provides an international research environment and opportunities to connect with other doctoral researchers. While strong independent working skills are essential, the ability to collaborate effectively with fellow researchers is equally important.

Your role and goals

The focus will be social engineering in everyday digital interactions. You will investigate how people assess whether requests are genuine, and how interface interventions may support them in their judgments. The precise doctoral research questions will be developed together with your supervisor, taking your interests into account.

Your tasks will include:

• Reviewing and synthesizing relevant scientific literature.
• Developing realistic research scenarios and measurement protocols with your supervisor.
• Designing and conducting studies with human participants, with appropriate ethical safeguards.
• Collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, including statistical analysis where appropriate.
• Writing research articles and presenting findings at leading scientific venues.
• Collaborating with researchers within the group and its wider network.

In addition to research work, persons hired are expected to participate in teaching following the standard practices at the department.

Your experience and ambitions

• A relevant master’s degree completed by the employment start date, for example in human–computer interaction, computer science, psychology, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in the psychological and social aspects of human-centered security and privacy.
• Strong English communication skills, including the ability to write scientific texts and discuss research.
• Experience in at least one of the following: experimental design and analysis, questionnaire development, qualitative interviewing and analysis, or interactive prototyping. Experience in all these areas is not required; willingness to develop complementary methodological skills is essential.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Sensitivity to participants’ experiences and an interest in ethical research practice.

What we offer

• An intellectually challenging and meaningful job in an inspiring work environment.
• A structured starting project, opportunities to lead research papers, and room to develop your own doctoral research direction.
• Opportunities to collaborate with our international partners.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic community of world-class researchers and professionals.
• Flexible and supportive work culture. We value the balance of work and leisure.
• We encourage continuous development of your own skills and qualifications.

The preferred start date is January 15, 2027, with flexibility by agreement.

The position belongs to the Aalto career system and the selected person will be appointed for a two-year fixed term appointment with an option for two-year renewal.

The starting salary for the position is 3168,20 EUR per month. In addition to the salary, the contract includes occupational health benefits, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. The annual total workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is 1 612 hours. The position is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our recruitment system Workday. The deadline for applications is 20.11.2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before 20 November 2026. We therefore encourage early applications.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account.

To apply, please share the following application materials in one PDF file with us:

• CV
• Motivation letter, maximum two pages, addressing: Why you want to pursue a PhD and why this position interests you.
• Which relevant skills and experiences you bring, with concrete examples.
• How your previous research, studies, or work have prepared you for doctoral research.
• Your earliest possible start date.
• Please write the letter in your own words. We are interested in your reasoning and fit for the position rather than generic prose.
• Transcript of records (bachelor’s and master’s degrees). If your master’s degree is ongoing, provide your current transcript and expected completion date.
• Names, affiliations, email addresses, and your relationship to two referees familiar with your research or relevant work. Referees will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates.

The candidates must have completed their Master’s degree before the start of the contract period. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Further information

Professor Verena Distler, e-mail "recruiter contact" (research related information) HR Advisor Susanna Holma, e-mail "recruiter contact" (recruitment process)

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report 2025: People are much kinder than we expect, research shows | The World Happiness Report.