Offer Description
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) invites applications from highly motivated candidates for a fully funded PhD position in power-system cybersecurity. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in cybersecurity, computer engineering, electrical or power engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline. The position is intended for candidates who wish to combine rigorous academic research with practical work on the security and resilience of critical energy infrastructure in…
collaboration with university and industry experts.
Electric power systems are becoming increasingly digital, automated, and interconnected across electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and end-user environments. Their operation now depends on continuous exchanges of measurements, control commands, protection signals, forecasts, and market information across physical, cyber, and control layers. Although this connectivity enables efficient and flexible energy services, it also enlarges the attack surface of critical infrastructure. Successful cyberattacks may disrupt availability, manipulate the integrity of operational data, expose confidential information, undermine authenticity, and ultimately affect grid stability, economic activity, and public safety.
This PhD position is part of the SIPSIK research project, Securing Power Systems against Cyberattacks. SIPSIK brings together TalTech, the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, major Estonian energy-sector organisations, the Estonian Information System Authority, and cybersecurity partners. The consortium covers electricity generation, transmission, and distribution and combines expertise in power systems, data mining, security monitoring, simulation, and cryptography. Its goal is to develop and validate a unified, data-driven and simulation-based framework that helps energy operators study, detect, and mitigate cyberattacks without exposing operational infrastructure to unnecessary risk.
The doctoral research will focus on identifying security-critical data and developing interpretable, resource-efficient methods for detecting cyberattacks in power-system infrastructure. Rather than treating all information as equally important, the work will investigate which measurements, commands, events, and communication flows are most relevant to operational security in different parts of the power-system value chain.
The research will use appropriately governed real-world and simulated data from the power-system value chain, including information relevant to electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Methods will be developed and validated in controlled environments using real-time digital simulation, network simulation tools such as NS-3, and cyber-physical testbeds in which realistic attack scenarios can be reproduced safely.
The doctoral research will assess how post-quantum cryptography can be introduced into power-system infrastructure while preserving reliability and availability. It will focus on ML-KEM, HQC, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA, examining where each is suitable across generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Using cryptographic measurements, network and real-time power-system simulation, and cyber-physical testbeds, the work will evaluate security, interoperability, latency, resource use, and legacy compatibility under normal and disturbed conditions. The outcome will be validated integration methods and practical migration guidance for the energy sector.
The work will connect theoretical development with reproducible experiments and feedback from energy-sector and cybersecurity partners. Its overall goal is to produce scientifically rigorous and practically useful methods that support protection planning, operator training, security assessment, and evidence-based decision-making for critical energy infrastructure.
How to Apply
The successful candidates will work under the supervision of Prof. Tara Ghasempouri, Prof. Sedat Akleylek, and Dr. Marko Tealane and will collaborate with researchers at TalTech, the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, and 11 different project partners in the energy and cybersecurity sectors from industries.
Please submit your CV and academic transcripts to tara.ghasempouri@taltech.ee, sedat.akleylek@ut.ee and marko.tealane@taltech.ee using the subject line: “PhD Position – Cyberattack mitigation methods in Power Systems”. Candidates with suitable backgrounds will be invited for an online interview.
Application deadline: 15 October 2026
Expected starting date: As soon as possible (negotiable)
Salary/Funding: The PhD position is fully funded. The salary amount is determined according to the applicable TalTech salary table and university regulations.
Requirements
The following documents are necessary if the candidate passes the first interview:
- Curriculum Vitae, including education, research experience, publications, and relevant technical skills.
- Copy of the identification page of the passport.
- Proof of English language proficiency according to current TalTech requirements.
- Bachelor's degree diploma and academic transcript.
- Master's degree diploma and academic transcript.
- Any additional documents required under the current TalTech doctoral admission regulations.
For current doctoral admission requirements, please visit:
Where to apply
E-mail: tara.ghasempouri@taltech.ee
Requirements
Research Field: Engineering » Computer engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The following skills are mandatory:
- Strong background in one of these field power systems simulation or Cryptography and Post-quantum crytpgraphy
- Good programming skills, particularly in Python.
- Understanding of computer networks, digital systems, or critical-infrastructure security.
- Ability to conduct systematic research, analyse experimental results, and communicate findings clearly.
- Strong written and spoken English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team.
The following skills are a plus:
- Knowledge of symmetric-key cryptography, lightweight cryptography, or post-quantum cryptography.
- Experience with association-rule mining, anomaly detection, or interpretable machine learning.
- Knowledge of power-system operation, smart grids, industrial communication protocols, or cyber-physical systems is an advantage; candidates with a strong cryptography background are expected to develop the required power-system domain knowledge during the doctoral research.
- Experience with real-time digital simulation, NS-3, RTDS, or comparable simulation environments.
- Experience with cybersecurity monitoring, threat modelling, or cyberattack simulation.
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
About TalTech
Founded in 1918, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is Estonia's leading university of engineering and technology. Located in Tallinn, TalTech provides an international research environment bringing together expertise in information technology, engineering, cybersecurity, energy systems, and digital technologies.
For more information, please visit: https://taltech.ee/en/
For information about living and working in Estonia: https://www.visitestonia.com/ https://www.workinestonia.com/
About Estonia
Estonia is internationally recognised for its advanced digital society and strong technology ecosystem. The country offers a highly connected environment for research and innovation, with active communities in cybersecurity, energy technology, electronics, and digital services.
Tallinn combines a strong technology and research environment with a high quality of life, while Estonia offers extensive forests, lakes, coastline, and nature. Its international research community and advanced digital infrastructure provide an attractive environment for doctoral studies in cybersecurity and energy systems
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Tallinn University of Technology
Country: Estonia
Geofield
Contact
City: Tallinn
Website: https://taltech.ee/
Street: Akadeemia tee