PhD Student in Privacy-Preserving AI

Huawei's Munich Research Center is responsible for advanced technology research, architectural development, design and strategic engineering of our products.

The privacy team is seeking a motivated PhD student to join our interdisciplinary research group focused on privacy in the rapidly evolving field of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents. Our team investigates critical privacy challenges at the intersection of machine learning, privacy, and real-world applications. We aim to develop innovative privacy-enhancing techniques that protect both user data and model integrity, while addressing the privacy risks inherent in the deployment of LLMs, particularly in AI agent-based scenarios.

Research Focus: As LLMs and AI agents are increasingly integrated into industries such as healthcare, finance, law, and customer service, it is essential that these systems not only protect user data but also behave in ways that respect user privacy. While LLMs show tremendous potential, they also introduce privacy risks, such as memorizing sensitive training data and unintentionally leaking private information. Ensuring privacy in AI is not just about protecting data—it’s about making AI agents aware of and responsive to privacy boundaries in their interactions with users.

Your research will focus on enhancing the privacy awareness of both LLMs and AI agents, ensuring they not only safeguard user data but also demonstrate privacy-conscious behaviors during real-time interactions.  

Join us as a

PhD Student in Privacy-Preserving AI (m/f/d)

Your mission

• Assess privacy risks of generative AI, particularly in LLMs and AI Agents
• Research privacy-enhancing technologies to safeguard the privacy of models, data, and its users
• Develop novel privacy-aware AI systems that autonomously respect user privacy and manage sensitive data.
• Implement proof-of-concepts of the proposed solutions, and evaluat them on public and industrial datasets.
  
• Publish research papers and technical reports at high ranked scientific conferences and journals
• Actively collaborate with other team members on topics involving machine learning and privacy.

Your areas of expertise

• You have recently completed or will soon complete your master studies in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, privacy, electrical engineering, or mathematics;
• Passion for research and developing novel solutions for complex scientific problems relevant for real-world applications.
• Solid knowledge and practical experience in machine learning and deep learning.
• Good programming skills in Python and at least one deep learning framework, e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow or JAX.
• Experience with foundation models (e.g., LLMs, DALL-E) and generative models (e.g., diffusion models, GANs) is a plus, particularly in the areas of serving (e.g., vLLM, Ollama), training and fine-tuning (e.g., Transformers, PEFT techniques like LoRA, Unsloth), and working with agentic AI tools (e.g., LangChain, AutoGPT).
• Experience with conducting research and publication in top conferences is a plus.
• Knowledge about privacy-enhancing technologies (e.g., differential privacy, federated learning, secure multi-party computation, homomorphic encryption) is a plus.
• Active problem solver with a can-do attitude and good communication skills in English.

If you are enthusiastic to shape the German Research Center in Munich together with us, being part of a multicultural team and growing environment, feel free to contact us. Driving future technologies with focus on customer satisfaction is a one of our missions. Join us!

By applying to this position, you agree with our Recruitment Privacy Statement. You can read in full our privacy policy here.

Your rewards of working here

• Our culture is characterized by innovative power and team spirit as well as the intensive exchange of knowledge and experience within our global network.
• We offer healthy meals ranging from traditional Chinese to western delicacies in our famous company canteen.
• To keep your development ongoing, you will find a broad range of training opportunities. Many online and face-to-face training programs incl. language courses in German and Mandarin.
• Our diverse and welcoming environment is shaped by different backgrounds and around 40 individual nationalities.
• Self-responsible work in a competent, motivated and constantly growing team.

Please send your application and CV (incl. cover letter and reference letters) in English.

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Driven by a commitment to operations, ongoing innovation, and open collaboration, we have established a competitive ICT portfolio of end-to-end solutions in Telecom and enterprise networks, Devices and Cloud technology and services. Our ICT solutions, products and services are used in more than 170 countries and regions, serving over one-third of the world's population. With 197,000 employees, Huawei is committed to develop the future information society and build a Better Connected World.