The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria's largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). Our goal is to transform scientific excellence into impactful innovation. Together with our partners, we develop technologies and solutions for a sustainable, resilient, and digitalised future, thereby strengthening Europe's competitiveness and technological sovereignty. Our international teams combine cutting-edge research with high implementation expertise to create measurable benefits for business and society.

Our Center for Digital Safety & Security is offering a master's thesis position at our Vienna location. At the Center for Digital Safety & Security, we conduct research on a variety of key technologies such as distributed IT systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technologies, quantum and photonic technologies, wireless systems (6G), and digital solutions for crisis and disaster management.

As part of our team, you will support us in our AFarEdge research project, focusing on test lab work for cybersecurity testing of agricultural control units.

Our research project aims to test the cybersecurity of electronic control systems in agricultural machinery against cyberattacks. Direct tests on the control units serve to determine their resilience to attacks and to identify and analyse the impacts of detected vulnerabilities.

Master's Thesis “Cybersecurity Test Lab for Agriculture”

CENTER FOR DIGITAL SAFETY & SECURITY

• You will conduct a literature review and engage with the topic of cybersecurity testing of digital control systems in agriculture.
• The main objective of this master's thesis is to contribute to the development of cybersecurity test procedures for evaluating the cybersecurity of agricultural electronic control systems.
• Under the guidance of our team, you will develop a test concept and support the setup of a physical test environment, conducting self-defined test cases directly on the electronic control units of agricultural machinery.
• You will learn to evaluate the results obtained and utilise them for further applications.
• You will apply your programming skills to create test cases and assist in developing the test environment in the lab.
• Software solutions such as communication bus analysers and test case creation software will aid you in setting up complex tests.
• You will expand your knowledge and skills in the field of automation and control engineering in agricultural machinery.
• You will practice scientific work and have the opportunity to discuss your experiences with interdisciplinary scientific experts in the field of digital security technology.
• Terms such as test concept, test environment, test case, penetration testing, fuzz testing, and robustness testing represent a challenge for you.

As an Ingenious Partner, you are characterised by:

• Ongoing master's studies in fields such as electronics, mechatronics, embedded systems, industrial engineering, or IT security.
• Good knowledge of electronics, digital and microcomputer technology; knowledge of industrial control bus systems is an advantage but not a prerequisite.
• Interest in the conception of scientific studies and concepts.
• Enjoyment of application-oriented industrial questions (primarily in agriculture).
• High level of commitment and teamwork skills.
• Good command of English and German, both written and spoken.

What you can expect:

• Start date: Ideally from 01.01.2027 – There is some flexibility regarding the start date.
• Duration: 6 months.
• A remuneration of EUR 1,379.60 gross per month for 20 hours per week in accordance with the collective agreement. In addition to numerous benefits, you will also be part of our international YOUNG AIT group. As a research institution, we are well-versed in the supervision and execution of master's theses and look forward to supporting you in your master's thesis.

At AIT, we create an inclusive and family-friendly working environment that promotes equal opportunities and actively expands diversity within our workforce and leadership positions. Among other things, we are committed to increasing the proportion of women in our company and therefore particularly welcome applications from women.

Please submit your application documents, consisting of a CV, cover letter, confirmation of enrolment, transcripts (Transcript of Records), and proof of identity, online: https://jobs.ait.ac.at/Job/271280