PhD Student position in Heterogenous Programmable Networks - Networks Data Science Group

19 Mar 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

IMDEA Networks Institute

Department

Networks Data Science Group

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2026 - 13:59 (Europe/Madrid)

Country

Spain

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Jun 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe – COFUND

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Deadline for receipt of applications: April 14, 2026 23:59 AoE (15 April 2026, 13:59h Europe/Madrid Time)

The Networks Data Science group at IMDEA Networks Institute has an opening for one PhD student in the area of network programmability. The successful candidate will design original solutions for the integration of inference models in heterogeneous programmable user planes composed of a combination of programmable switches, network processing units (NPUs), and smart network interface cards (smartNICs). The studies will build upon recent research by the NDS group [1-4], with the goal to turn the transport domain of the network into an effective traffic data processor capable of performing tasks like flow classification, anomaly identification or intrusion detection at Gbps without the need for external hardware or time-consuming cross-plane interactions. The candidate will implement and evaluate the solutions in a state-of-the-art experimental platform including a variety of programmable user-plane equipment, so as to demonstrate viability and performance in industry-grade environments.

Where to apply

Website

https://networks.imdea.org/job/phd-student-position-in-heterogenous-programmabl…

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

 The position requires:

• A degree in Computer Science or related field, with a solid academic record·
• Excellent and proven programming skills
• Background in systems, preferably in the networking space
• Strong interest in applied AI/ML
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

 The position offer:

• Hands-on training in network programming via the P4 language
• Hands-on training in AI/ML design and integration in programmable user planes
• An opportunity to work with production-grade switches, DPUs, and smartNICs
• A vibrant, collaborative, multi-cultural and English-speaking environment
• The prospect of publishing at top-tier venues in networking
• An advantageous path to a successful career in industry or academia [5]
• The high quality of life of the region of Madrid, Spain, where we are based.

Selection process

 Equal Employment Opportunity

IMDEA Networks Institute aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore qualified female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Until a balanced ratio of men and women has been achieved at the institute, preference will be given to women if applicants have similar qualifications. IMDEA Networks Institute actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities. Applicants are not to be discriminated against in personnel selection procedures on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or ideology, age, sexual orientation (anti-discrimination). People with disabilities who have the relevant qualifications are expressly invited to apply.

Additional comments

Candidates shall submit by the call deadline a CV, a motivation letter, and the contact details of two references through the IMDEA Networks Institute hiring portal, at:

https://careers.networks.imdea.org/

Publications

[1] A.T.-J. Akem, B. Bütün, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, Practical and General- Purpose Flow-Level Inference with Random Forests in Programmable Switches, IEEE Transactions on Networking, 33(5), Oct 2025

[2] B. Bütün, D. de Andrés Hernández, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, DUNE: Distributed Inference in the User Plane, IEEE INFOCOM 2025 – Best Paper Award

[3] A.T.-J. Akem, B. Bütün, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, Jewel: Resource-Efficient Joint Packet and Flow Level Inference in Programmable Switches, IEEE INFOCOM 2024

[4] A.T.-J. Akem, M. Gucciardo, M. Fiore, Flowrest: Practical Flow-Level Inference in Programmable Switches with Random Forests, IEEE INFOCOM 2023

[5]https://networks.imdea.org/team/imdea-networks-team/alumni-network/

Inquiries on the position can be directed to the thesis supervisor, Dr. Marco Fiore, via email at marco.fiore@networks.imdea.org

This position could be co-funded by PROSPERO project, that will receive funding from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program in the framework of Grant Agreement No 101293102 (Grant Agreement under preparation).

 

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

IMDEA Networks Institute

Country

Spain

State/Province

Madrid

City

Leganés

Postal Code

28918

Street

Avenida del Mar Mediterráneo, 22

Geofield

Contact

State/Province

Madrid

City

Leganés

Website

https://networks.imdea.org/

Street

Avenida del Mar Mediterráneo, 22

Postal Code

28918

E-Mail

hr.networks@imdea.org

Phone

+34 91 481 6210

STATUS: EXPIRED

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