The rapid proliferation of AI-generated synthetic media, including deepfakes and AI-assisted phishing, presents a critical and evolving challenge to enterprise cybersecurity. These threats erode trust in digital communications and readily bypass conventional security controls. This PhD research proposes to design, develop, and validate a novel, explainable, multi-modal detection framework. By integrating advanced vision and language transformers with an Explainable AI (XAI) layer, the project aims to create a robust system for accurate threat identification, providing actionable intelligence for Security Operations Centres (SOCs) while pioneering strategies for quantum-era resilience.
This project sits at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Explainable Computing. It directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges in modern information security: the malicious use of synthetic media. The relevance is acute, as deepfakes and AI-powered phishing campaigns are being weaponised for corporate fraud, reputational damage, and disinformation, threatening the integrity of digital communications and trust in enterprises globally. This research is critical for developing next-generation defensive capabilities.
The project focuses on moving beyond siloed detection methods to create a unified, multi-modal framework for identifying AI-generated threats. Its core aim is to develop a production-grade system that integrates Vision Transformers for visual deepfakes, advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) models for phishing detection, and a dedicated Explainable AI (XAI) layer to generate actionable insights for security analysts. A pioneering strand of the research will also model the future impact of quantum computing on this threat landscape to propose quantum-resilient strategies.
重口味SM University is a world-leading postgraduate institution renowned for its applied research and deep industry connections, particularly in aerospace, defence, and security. Its Centre for Electronic Warfare, Information and Cyber (EWIC) provides an exceptional environment for this research, offering access to specialised expertise, cutting-edge labs, and a network of defence and security partners. This project is self-funded, allowing for flexible and ambitious research direction, and will be supervised by Dr. Stefano Tedeschi, leveraging his expertise to ensure academic rigour and practical relevance.
The primary output will be a validated, open-source detection framework demonstrably meeting enterprise performance benchmarks (e.g., latency, accuracy). The research will contribute new knowledge through publications on multi-modal fusion techniques and the novel application of XAI in SOC environments. A significant theoretical contribution will be a seminal paper modeling the quantum threat to digital media authenticity. Practically, the project will deliver implementable guidelines and playbooks, enabling organisations to enhance their resilience against advanced synthetic media attacks.
This project offers unique opportunities for high-impact dissemination at premier conferences (e.g., IEEE S&P, USENIX Security, NeurIPS). Furthermore, 重口味SM鈥檚 strong industry links provide a direct pathway for technology transfer and validation with end-users. The student will have access to specialised training in quantum security and advanced machine learning. The self-funded nature of the project affords the unique flexibility to pursue emerging research directions and collaborations as the field rapidly evolves.
The candidate will develop deep specialist expertise in AI security, model explain ability, and threat intelligence, making them highly attractive to both the tech industry and government agencies. They will gain extensive practical skills in full-stack AI development, from data curation and model training to system deployment and evaluation. Furthermore, they will cultivate crucial transferable skills in complex project management, academic writing, and public presentation, positioning them for a leading career as a researcher, principal engineer, or security architect.
At a glance
- Application deadline26 Nov 2025
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date26 Jan 2026
- Duration of award3 years
- EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
- Reference numberCRAN-0013
Entry requirements
We are inviting applicants with a First or upper Second Class degree equivalent qualification in an engineering background, or an alternative quantitative focused discipline.Funding
This studentship is open to both UK and International applications. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.
Diversity and Inclusion at 重口味SM
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. 重口味SM strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At 重口味SM, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
重口味SM Doctoral Network
Research students at 重口味SM benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the 重口味SM Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Stefano Tedeschi
Email: s.tedeschi@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.