IPN - Instituto Pedro Nunes - Job Opportunity: Senior Cybersecurity R&D Engineer (M/F)

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Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) is looking for a Senior R&D Engineer in Cybersecurity to join the team, focusing on the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and information security.

Operational functions:

• Design, plan, and execute advanced research projects combining AI/ML with cybersecurity, including intrusion attacks/defenses, prompt controls in LLMs, privacy-preserving inference, and microservices security in a Zero Trust environment;
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including software development, network engineering, and data science, to apply research results to practical solutions;
• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of objectives;
• Guide and mentor junior researchers, supporting their professional growth.

Profile:

• Minimum qualification: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field; possession of a PhD is an advantage.
• Professional experience: At least 3 to 5 years of relevant R&D experience in cybersecurity or AI applied to security, with proven experience in leading research projects.

Technical Competencies:

• Programming in Python (TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX), C/C++, or Rust;
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines for AI model deployment;
• Knowledge of network protocols, cryptography, secure programming, and threat modeling frameworks (e.g., STRIDE);
• Understanding of compliance standards applicable to AI systems (ISO 27001, NIST CSF, GDPR, CCPA);
• Ability to design intrusion tests, assess model robustness, and conduct security evaluations;
• Skills in statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and rigorous reproducibility practices.

Transversal competencies:

• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary environments;
• Critical thinking, creativity, and a proactive approach to tackling complex technical challenges;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to non-specialist audiences;
• Demonstrated leadership mindset and ability to mentor and support early-career researchers.

Applications until November 30, 2025, by sending your CV to recrutamento.lis@ipn.pt

Instituto Pedro Nunes informs that the personal data provided by candidates within the scope of this recruitment procedure will be used exclusively for the assessment of applications. The data will be processed in accordance with our Data Protection and Privacy Policy. Instituto Pedro Nunes is responsible for the processing of personal data, namely that sent by candidates in the context of this recruitment procedure. The data of non-selected candidates will be deleted after the end of the process, unless they consent to retention for future opportunities or legal obligation. Candidates have the right to access, rectify, erase, limit, oppose the processing and request the portability of their data, and may exercise these rights via the following e-mail address: rgpd-ipn@ipn.pt. For more information, please consult our Data Protection and Privacy Policy.

IPN is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.