Postdoc Position in Multi-Agent AI for Autonomous Cybersecurity Operations

SDU Center for Industrial Software at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for a two-year position within the VANTAGE project (Vulnerability Assessment aNd Testing Automation for Global Enhancement).

TheVANTAGEproject leverages a multi-agent AI architecture with advanced reasoning capabilities (chain-of-thought reasoning) to transform security operations. It integrates autonomous vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), AI-based orchestration, and advanced forensic analysis to enhance cybersecurity operations for modernSecurity Operations Centers (SOCs) andComputer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs).

We are looking for applicants with strong background in the design and development of multi-agent AI systems in the context of cybersecurity operations and also demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research. The position is funded under the EU DIGITAL-ECCC programmefocusing on the deployment of advanced cybersecurity technologies. It involves leadingEuropean research institutions, universities, SMEs, and cybersecurity organizations. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment and work under the supervision of Professor Sadok Ben Yahia and Assistant Professor Sani Abdullahi whilecloselycollaborating with academic and industrial partners across Europe.

**The application deadline is April 26, 2026,**at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

The position is available from May 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Design and implement LLM-enabled multi-agent AI systems for cybersecurity operations.
• Develop reasoning and chain-of-thought-based decision models for automated incident investigation.
• Integrate AI modules with vulnerability scanning and penetration testing tools.
• Conduct large-scale experimental validation and benchmarking.
• Contribute to system evaluation under realistic SOC/CSIRT scenarios.
• Publish high-quality research papers in leading conferences and journals.
• Contribute to project deliverables, technical reports, and dissemination activities.
• Participate in consortium meetings and technical coordination activities.

What We Offer

• Full-time Post-Doctoral Researcher position for 24 months.
• Access to high-performance computing infrastructure and advanced AI resources.
• Participation in a large-scale European cybersecurity initiative.
• Opportunity to collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners.
• Strong support for publication and career development.
• Have the opportunity to live and work in one of the happiest countries in the world that offers excellent and free health and education systems.

What we expect

Applicants should hold aPhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.

• Strong background in at least two of the following:
  • Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI
  • Multi-agent systems
  • Cybersecurity and vulnerability assessment
  • Network security and incident response
  • AI reasoning and prompt engineering
• Experience in Python and AI frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace).
• Experience with penetration testing tools or vulnerability analysis platforms is an advantage.
• Strong publication record in reputable venues.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Workplace description

SDU Center of Industrial Software is located at Campus Alsion in Sønderborg.

The University of Southern Denmark is one of the youngest universities in Denmark, founded in 1966. The university is founded around the goal of providing the right knowledge at the right time to support society. The university targets major, complex societal problems of a cross-disciplinary nature such as climate, welfare, health and technology, tackling these in collaboration across faculties.

The Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering is driven by the urge to create value for and with society, by curiosity and by the will to create that which only a few could imagine would be possible. Through research, education and collaboration it is the ambition of the faculty to nurture talent, address challenges, create possibilities, and promote sustainable development. The faculty is strongly engaged with national and international industries and organizations over a broad range of technical domains.

The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute

The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute is an internationally recognized institute, which has maintained a leading position in robotics for more than three decades. The department is the 2nd largest department at SDU, with more than 230 staff members and 1500 students. The institute has over the last decades expanded its activities in interactive technologies, artificial intelligence, and software engineering including building several strong research centres at the SDU campuses in Odense and Sønderborg and with the new centre also in Vejle. Professors in these areas include Prof. Anders Drachen in interactive technologies and Prof. Mikkel Kjærgaard in software engineering. Thereby, the institute today covers a wide range of areas in robotics, software, AI, and applied informatics. Learn more about our institute at https://www.sdu.dk/en/mmmi.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact:

Dr. Sadok Ben Yahia (Full Professor, SDU Center for Industrial Software):say@mmmi.sdu.dk

Dr. Sani Abdullahi (Assistant Professor, SDU Center for Industrial Software):saa@mmmi.sdu.dk

If you experience technical problems, please contactour email support.

Application

Applicants are advised to read theSDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position.
• A research statement may be included.
• References/reference letters may also be included.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).

The application deadline isApril 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment.Read about shortlisting at SDU.Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about theAssessment and selection process.

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary foran initial two-year period.Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein.Further information on salary and taxation.Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further informationfor international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visitWorkinDenmarkfor additional information.

Further informationabout The Faculty of Engineering.