Summary: This PhD student position involves research into microarchitectural security within the ERC Consolidator grant “PRIMULA.” Highlights: 1. Work under the supervision of Marco Guarnieri on microarchitectural security. 2. Engage in cutting-edge research in Programming Languages and Computer Security. 3. Collaborate on topics like CPU fuzzing and hardware verification for security. Applications are invited for one PhD student position at the IMDEA Software Institute, Madrid, Spain. Selected candidates will work under the supervision of Marco Guarnieri. The PhD student will work in the context on the ERC Consolidator grant “PRIMULA: Principled Microarchitectural Security with Leakage Contracts.” Some potential research topics are the following: * CPU fuzzing for information leaks (both black\-box on silicon CPUs and white\-box on RTL designs) * Hardware verification for microarchitectural security * Synthesis of program\-level leakage models from RTL designs * Program analysis and verification techniques for detecting programs vulnerable to microarchitectural attacks * Hardware verification of security properties on RTL designs * Secure compilation techniques for preventing microarchitectural attacks The specific topic of the research will be determined based on the common interests of the candidate and the supervisor. ### **Who should apply?** Ideal candidates have earned (or are in their last year of) a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Mathematics, with experience in at least one of the following areas: * Computer Security * Testing and Fuzzing * Computer architectures * Program analysis, compilers, and verification * Formal methods and logics Solid programming skills will be highly valued. The position requires good teamwork and communication skills, including excellent spoken and written English. ### **Working at IMDEA Software** The IMDEA Software Institute is ranked among the best European research institutes in the areas of Programming Languages and Computer Security. Located in the Montegancedo Science and Technology Park, it perfectly combines the sunny and vibrant city of Madrid with cutting edge research and inspiring working environment. The institute provides an internationally competitive stipend, access to an excellent public health care system, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, and support for research related travel. The working language at the institute is English. Knowledge of Spanish is not required. ### **Dates** The duration of the position is intended to be for the duration of the doctoral studies. The ideal starting period is from September 2026\. Deadline for applications is **June 5th, 2026**. Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the positions are filled. ### **How to apply?** Applicants interested in the position should submit their application at https://careers.software.imdea.org/ selecting option **PhD Student** and reference code **2026\-05\-phd\-uarchsec**. The recruitment process will comply with the IMDEA Software Institute’s OTM\-R Policy (Open, Transparent and Merit\-based Recruitment). ### **Questions** For any questions about these positions, please contact Marco Guarnieri (). *This position is funded by the European Union through the European Research Council under Horizon Europe, ERC Grant \[Primula], Grant Agreement No. \[101230068].*
David Muñoz
Indeed · HR
David Muñoz
Indeed · HR
