About the opportunity
The Cluster of Excellence “CASA: Securing the Digital Society” at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is funded by the DFG with 53 million euros for 2026–2032. Based at the prestigious Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security, CASA conducts interdisciplinary cybersecurity research across computer science, cryptography, electrical engineering, mathematics, and psychology. Priority research areas include quantum technology security, defense against AI-driven disinformation, ransomware countermeasures, and human-centered security. Successful applicants will work towards a doctoral degree in a collaborative, world-class scientific environment.
Salary and benefits
- 3-year full-time salaried research position paid under collective agreement pay grade E13 TV-L
- Dedicated funding budget for conferences, courses, equipment, and international academic exchanges
- No teaching obligations if the position is third-party funded
- Access to a top-tier European research network and state-of-the-art facilities at the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security
- Supportive institutional programs for female researchers and parents, alongside free language training in German and English
Who can apply?
- Above-average Master's degree (M.Sc.) in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, psychology (preferably tech-related), or a related discipline
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Basic knowledge in at least one CASA research area: cryptography, system security, hardware security, decentralized security, human-centered security, or AI and security
- Proficiency in either English or German and a willingness to learn the other language
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information (names and email addresses) for at least two academic references
- Master's degree certificate
- Transcripts of records for both Bachelor's and Master's degrees
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 9, 2026
- Positions start at the earliest possible date
How to apply
- Submit your complete application through the official Ruhr-Universität Bochum online portal by November 9, 2026
- Ensure the reference number ANR 6095 is explicitly stated in your application submission
- Upload all required certificates, transcripts, motivation letter, CV, and reference contact details
Additional information
- For further questions about the positions, contact Dr. Patrick Schulte at +49 234 32 27722
- Application expenses including travel and accommodation for interviews cannot be reimbursed
- Female applicants and qualified individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and receive preference in cases of equal qualifications
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You hold an outstanding Master's degree in computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or psychology with a technical focus
- You are keen to conduct interdisciplinary research in cutting-edge cybersecurity domains such as AI security, post-quantum safety, or human factors in IT security
- You seek a fully funded, structured doctoral position backed by significant institutional research grant funding in Germany
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires relocation to Bochum, Germany, for the 3-year contract duration
- While the working and scientific environment operates in English, long-term campus integration involves willingness to engage with German language learning
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers graduate students an opportunity to obtain a doctorate while earning a standard TV-L E13 state salary. Working inside the CASA Cluster of Excellence at HGI provides doctoral candidates with substantial career acceleration, high international exposure, conference travel budgets, and immediate connection to academia and cybersecurity spin-offs.
Our take
Ideal for ambitious Master's graduates looking to pursue a doctoral degree in cybersecurity within a heavily funded, world-renowned German research institute. Those uninterested in relocation to Germany or interdisciplinary research should explore other options.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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