Post-doctoral Fellow: Vulnerability Assessment of PON Networks Against DAS Eavesdropping

About the role

Télécom Paris, part of the Institut Mines-Télécom, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Communications and Electronics Department (COMELEC). The project, funded under the EAT RAPID programme (a partnership between Febus Optics and Telecom Paris), assesses the vulnerability of Passive Optical Network (PON) access networks to eavesdropping via Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) on optical fibres. The work defines the network conditions, DAS configurations and performance metrics needed for a cybersecurity audit of already deployed infrastructure.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate the vulnerability of telecom networks to DAS-based eavesdropping, adapting to the wavelength plan of the local optical network.
• Describe existing local area network types and assess transmission schemes such as CWDM and TDM.
• Identify access points for DAS measurements and distinguish fibers interrogated after a splitter, including the effect of reflective points.
• Analyse power margins, add-drop nodes and optical transparency limits, and run sensitivity analyses based on fiber type and environment.
• Carry out field research on optical fiber sensors and supervise and tutor interns or students.
• Conduct tests on an authorized live network or a model network built for the study, then specify, design and fabricate the required interfacing modules.

Required profile

• PhD in electrical engineering, optical communications, photonics, optical sensors or a related field.
• Fluent English; a working knowledge of French is desirable.
• Interest in applied research and comfort in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to supervise interns or students, and good teamwork, writing and teaching skills.

Required skills

• Solid theoretical and practical expertise in photonics and digital signal processing.
• Good programming skills.
• Knowledge of signal processing algorithms for communication systems or fibre-optic sensors, especially coherent detection, is an advantage.

What we offer

• 49 days of annual leave (CA + RTT).
• Flexible working hours depending on department activity.
• Telecommuting 1 to 3 days per week possible.
• 75% public transport pass reimbursement.
• Proximity to sports facilities, concierge service, underground parking and in-house catering.