Automated and Secure Configuration Management for Heterogeneous Edge Computing Environments (Ref: CO/PT-SF3/2026)

Edge computing represents a fundamental paradigm shift in how we process data, moving computation from centralised clouds to the network periphery. This migration is driven by the explosion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the rollout of 5G networks, and the demand for low-latency applications in fields like autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and remote healthcare.

However, this distributed and massively scaled-out environment presents a monumental challenge: configuration management. Manually configuring, updating, and securing millions of diverse, resource-constrained, and often physically inaccessible edge devices is untenable, error-prone, and a significant security risk.

This PhD project will address this critical challenge by pioneering a new framework for the automated, secure, and resilient configuration management of edge networks. The research will move beyond traditional imperative scripts towards intelligent, intent-based systems. The goal is to enable a "Zero-Touch" operational model where the edge infrastructure can largely manage and heal itself, ensuring compliance, security, and performance without constant human intervention.

You will join the highly-rated Department of Computer Science at Loughborough University, a top-10 UK university renowned for its research excellence and strong industry links.

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented candidate with a strong interest in computer networking, distributed systems, and cybersecurity. We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on candidate with a passion for making machine learning work in the real world.