Multiple Postdoc and Grad Student Student Openings in the Kundur Research Group
Do you want to join a vibrant research group located in the heart of one of the most beautiful and diverse cities? The Kundur Research Group at the University of Toronto has multiple research openings to work on an innovative research project entitled Cybersecurity Implications When Quantum Meets the Smart Grid in collaboration with Hydro-Québec Research Institute and Xanadu.
I’m looking for inspired, curious and collaborative individuals for the following openings:
- Postdoctoral Fellow to begin between January and June 2024
- Multiple PhD and MASc students to begin in September 2024
to work at the interface of cybersecurity, deep learning, smart grid and quantum machine learning.
Individuals with strong academic records and excellent communication skills are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have undergraduate/graduate degree(s) in electrical & computer engineering or equivalent with relevant courses in area(s) of interest. A background in at least one or two (preferable) of the following areas is strongly desired: cybersecurity, communication networks, machine learning, power systems, quantum/quantum machine learning. Having some quantum background is especially an asset. Being French-speaking is also an asset.
If interested, please email Prof. Kundur (dkundur@ece.utoronto.ca) using the subject “Application to Kundur Research Group“, a resume/CV along with a copy of your transcripts and a brief statement in the body of your email 1) introducing yourself; 2) discussing your background in the areas of interest listed above, 3) articulating why you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in the Kundur research group and on this project; 4) anything else you think is relevant.
You can also directly apply for graduate studies in ECE at the University of Toronto and please cite my name, Deepa Kundur, in your application. More information on how to officially apply for graduate studies is found here: https://www.ece.utoronto.ca/graduates/admission/.
Project Details:
Background and Motivation: The cyber-enabled power grid, known as the smart grid, is characterized by its greater dependence on computing enabling new forms of power system analytics. As such, data has become the epicentre of decision-making in this (and other) critical infrastructures. Over the last fifteen years, the transformation of the power grid to a more information and communication technology (ICT)-rich environment has had broad implications enabling a more adaptable, sustainable and consumer-centric power delivery system while increasing its vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. The December 2015 and 2016 cyberattacks on the Ukrainian power grid as well as the May 2021 cyberattack on the U.S. colonial pipeline have demonstrated the damage and devastation that is possible when malware infiltrates critical infrastructure that is growingly dependent on ICT.
We are currently at a similar juncture in technological integration in which we are beginning to envision a quantum-enhanced power grid of the future. While quantum computation cannot replace all power grid computing, it is showing promise in the big data environment which would benefit from the quantum advantage. Moreover, optimization, planning, forecasting and logistical problems, intrinsic to power grid decision-making, including economic dispatch, security-constrained unit commitment and financial price forecasting are often NP-hard benefiting from quantum computing.
This quantum-enhanced power grid would leverage quantum computing, quantum information, quantum communications and quantum sensing. Given that quantum computers, integral to such environments, can easily cause traditional methods of cryptography to become obsolete, questions natural arise as to the cybersecurity implications to this quantum-enhanced power grid. Over the past 15 years, cybersecurity has been a top priority for cyber-enabled smart grid design. Success in securing the power grid has stemmed from having a plan that identifies best practices to ensure data protection as the power grid shifted to greater dependence on ICT. In addition, embracing ICT for enhanced monitoring and security analytics has enabled profound opportunities for cyberattack defence.
Fundamental Research Objective: In this project we will develop pioneering cybersecurity data analytics approaches effectively leveraging both classical and quantum computing principles. We will develop enhanced hybrid classical/quantum deep learning and quantum machine learning-based algorithms for advanced threat sensing, early detection, and rapid neutralization of attacks.
Impacts: This work represents a crucial step towards achieving increased resilience of societal critical infrastructures by leveraging quantum machine learning (QML) appropriate for modern smart grids and similar industrial control infrastructures. Further, the project supports the growth of the Canadian quantum and artificial intelligence (AI) entrepreneurial ecosystems through tech transfer and unique training opportunities afforded through the Mitacs internship opportunities.
More information about Professor Kundur and her group’s work can be found here: http://www.comm.utoronto.ca/~dkundur/ and https://dkundur.comm.utoronto.ca/.