Post-Doctoral Research Visit F/M Postdoctoral position in web security, privacy, and online tracking

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Contract type : Fixed-term contract

Level of qualifications required : PhD or equivalent

Fonction : Post-Doctoral Research Visit

About the research centre or Inria department

Created in 2008, the Inria center at the University of Lille employs 360 people, including 305 scientists in 16 research teams. Recognized for its strong involvement in the socio-economic development of the Hauts-De-France region, the Inria center at the University of Lille maintains a close relationship with large companies and SMEs. By fostering synergies between researchers and industry, Inria contributes to the transfer of skills and expertise in the field of digital technologies, and provides access to the best of European and international research for the benefit of innovation and businesses, particularly in the region.

For over 10 years, the Inria center at the University of Lille has been at the heart of Lille's university and scientific ecosystem, as well as at the heart of Frenchtech, with a technology showroom based on avenue de Bretagne in Lille, on the EuraTechnologies site of economic excellence dedicated to information and communication technologies (ICT).

Assignment

The modern web is undergoing a massive shift with the rise of AI and the evolution of browsers and operating systems. As third-party cookies were being phased out between 2020 and 2025, the ad ecosystem evolved and launched sophisticated and opaque tracking techniques (e.g., server-side tracking, identity graphs...). Simultaneously, the development of AI and LLM is having a tremendous impact on the web by modifying its structure to better suit web agents while also integrating AI tools directly inside users' browsers. These rapid shifts and changes introduce new privacy attack vectors and security challenges and demand adequate analysis to better protect users. The postdoctoral student will help investigate this subject as part of the PEPR Cybersecurity REV project.

 

Main activities

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore the boundaries of web privacy and security. The candidate will contribute to one or more of the following areas:

  • Analysis and measurements of advanced online tracking techniques (e.g., SST, identity graphs, first-party cookies, user ID detection)
  • Analyzing the security and privacy implications of AI-integrated browsing (e.g., prompt injection in browser agents, data leakage via LLM side-channels).
  • Understanding the shift to AI-first web (e.g., perform measurements on how the web evolves to accomodate AI tools).
  • Design of defensive mechanisms to better protecter users against a rising number of threats.

Skills

Qualifications

- PhD in Computer Science (Security, Privacy, or Web Systems).
- Good track record of publications in top-tier venues (A or A* conferences strongly recommended).
- Technical Proficiency: Great understanding of the Web stack (JS engines, HTTP, browser APIs). Experience with crawling tools (Playwright, Puppeteer) and data analysis is optional but very strongly recommended.
- Communication: Fluency in English (French is not required).

Benefits package

  • Subsidized meals
  • Partial reimbursement of public transport costs
  • Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.)
  • Possibility of teleworking (after 6 months of employment) and flexible organization of working hours
  • Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.)
  • Social, cultural and sports events and activities
  • Access to vocational training
  • Social security coverage

Remuneration

2 788 € Gross Monthly Salary