Mahindra University – École Centrale de Lyon Joint Ph.D. Programme

Research Focus

Intentional electromagnetic cyberattacks are deliberate attacks that use electromagnetic energy to disrupt or manipulate embedded electronic systems. Unlike conventional electromagnetic interference (EMI), these attacks are designed to exploit specific frequency sensitivities and timing vulnerabilities, making them a significant emerging cybersecurity threat.

This research aims to develop frameworks for assessing system vulnerabilities and designing effective countermeasures against such attacks. It addresses the limitations of existing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards, which are not designed to protect against targeted electromagnetic cyberattacks, and focuses on enhancing the security and resilience of critical embedded systems.

The research has applications across safety-critical domains, including autonomous vehicles, drone flight controllers, railway signalling systems, and electric vehicle battery management systems, contributing to the development of more secure and resilient cyber-physical infrastructure.

Eligibility

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Embedded

Systems, or a closely related discipline.

• Strong academic record — minimum 7.0 CGPA or equivalent.
• Solid foundation in electromagnetics or electronic circuits (at postgraduate level).
• Programming competence in C/C++ for embedded systems and Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Willingness and eligibility for extended international mobility (18 months in France across two stays).

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Indian nationality or residency is preferred, consistent with the call for applications.

• Hands-on experience with microcontroller development platforms (STM32, Renesas RH850, Arduino, or equivalent).

• Familiarity with EM simulation tools (CST Studio Suite, HFSS, or equivalent).

• Background in cybersecurity, fault injection, or hardware security is a distinct advantage.

• Experience with RF/EMC instrumentation: oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analysers.

Programme Structure

The 48-month research timeline is structured across three mobility phases:

• Phase 1 – Months 1 to 24 (Mahindra University): Literature review, threat landscape mapping, experimental platform setup, EM coupling modeling, initial laboratory attack experiments, and cataloging failure modes.
• Phase 2 – Months 25 to 42 (École Centrale de Lyon): Vulnerability assessment framework development, physical experiments on drone flight controllers and EV battery management systems, experimental validation of countermeasures, and second journal paper.
  • Phase 3 – Months 43 to 48 (Mahindra University): Thesis writing, final validation experiments, and defense preparation.

Total: 30 months at Mahindra University | 18 months at École Centrale de Lyon.

Supervisory Team

• Mahindra University Supervisor: Dr. Sreedhar Madichetty, Professor, Smart and Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (sreedhar.madichetty@mahindrauniversity.edu.in | +91 9703 845 823).

• École Centrale de Lyon Supervisor: Prof. Christian Vollaire, Professeur des Universités, Director of Laboratoire Ampère (UMR CNRS 5005) (christian.vollaire@ec-lyon.fr | +33 (0)4 72 18 61 08).

Funding and Benefits

The position is fully funded jointly by École Centrale de Lyon and Mahindra University for the complete 48-month duration:

• Stipend at Mahindra University (30 months): covered by Mahindra University at the standard MU
• doctoral rate.
• Stipend at École Centrale de Lyon (18 months): covered by ECLyon at the applicable French doctoral rate. Accommodation is not included; support for identifying housing in the Lyon area will be provided.
• Research equipment budget at Mahindra University: approximately 15–20 lakhs INR for embedded systems laboratory platforms (STM32/Renesas ECU boards, drone flight controller bench, EV BMS module, shielded EM injection enclosure). Procurement to commence in Month 1.
• Full access to Ampère Laboratory infrastructure at ECLyon: anechoic chamber, near-field injection equipment, nanosecond-pulsed signal generators, GHz-bandwidth oscilloscopes, and spectrum analysers.
• Software licences: CST Studio Suite / HFSS (ECLyon licence), MATLAB/Simulink (institutional licences at both universities), Python (open-source).
• Travel between India and France is covered by the institutional arrangement for scheduled mobility stays.

Application Documents

CV (maximum 3 pages, including list of publications or projects if applicable)

Statement of Purpose (maximum 2 pages, describing research interest, relevant background, and motivation for this specific project)

Academic Transcripts (official transcripts for all degrees completed or in progress)

Degree Certificates (copies of all completed degrees)

Two Letters of Recommendation (from academic supervisors or senior faculty who can speak to

the candidate’s research potential)

English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent; waived if primary degree was taught in English)

Other Supporting Documents (published papers, technical reports, conference presentations, open-source contributions, or relevant industrial experience)

Selection Process

The selection is open, transparent, and merit-based, consistent with the ECLyon–Mahindra University Joint Ph.D. Programme guidelines. Priority will be given to applications from India.

1. Screening: All applications are reviewed against the essential qualifications in Section 6. Shortlisting will be completed within two weeks of the application deadline.
2. Written Test: Shortlisted candidates complete a remote written technical assessment (~90 minutes) covering electromagnetic fundamentals, embedded systems concepts, and a problem-solving exercise relevant to the research topic.
3. Interview: Candidates who pass the written test are interviewed via video conference by a joint panel of both supervisors and institutional representatives. The interview covers technical background, motivation, research approach, and readiness for international mobility.
4. Final Selection: The committee makes a recommendation based on academic record, written test, interview, and references. A formal offer is issued jointly by both institutions. The selected candidate must also complete a security clearance process required for ECLyon administrative enrolment.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Rolling basis (following project selection notification).
• Interview Date: Conducted via video conference within 6 weeks of application submission.
• Expected Joining Date: Between October and December 2026.

Contact Information

• Mahindra University: Dr. Sreedhar Madichetty (sreedhar.madichetty@mahindrauniversity.edu.in) | Coordinator: Dr. Visalakshi Talakokula (visalakshi.talakokula@mahindrauniversity.edu.in).
• École Centrale de Lyon: Prof. Christian Vollaire (christian.vollaire@ec-lyon.fr) | Research Directorate (direction.recherche@ec-lyon.fr).

Eligibility

• M.Tech./M.E. in Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong fundamentals in reinforced concrete structures, cementitious materials, and structural analysis.
• Experience in experimental research.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of geopolymer materials.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience with material characterisation and structural testing under thermal and mechanical loading.
• Familiarity with numerical modelling tools (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS) and data analysis using MATLAB or Python

Programme Structure

The research is divided into two primary axes over the 48-month duration:

• Material Design & Characterization: Design and optimization of a geopolymer-based mortar combining high thermal stability and tailored rheology for effective textile impregnation and stress transfer, followed by manufacturing and property characterization of TRC composites.

• Structural Response & Testing: Experimental and analytical investigation of reinforced concrete beams strengthened/repaired with TRC systems under severe thermal exposure and combined thermo-mechanical loading, evaluating load transfer, cracking, failure modes, residual capacity, and resilience.

Supervisory Team

Mahindra University Supervisor(s):

• Dr. Sri Kalyana Rama Jyosyula, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, srikalyanarama.j@mahindrauniversity.edu.in, +9140-68173246
• Prof. Visalakshi Talakokula, Associate Dean, École Centrale School of Engineering and Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, visalakshi.talakokula@mahindrauniversity.edu.in, +9140-68175213

École Centrale de Lyon Supervisor(s):

• Prof. Amir SI LARBI, Professor, amir.si-larbi@enise.ec-lyon.fr, +33 616821691 
• Dr. Nonna ALGOURDIN., Associate Professor, nonna.algourdin@enise.ec-lyon.fr, +33 477437551

Funding and Benefits

• Funding and benefits will be as per the norms of both universities

Application & Selection Process

• Required Documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Statement of Purpose (SOP), Academic Transcripts, Degree Certificates, and other relevant supporting documents.
• Selection Procedure: Shortlisting will be conducted through profile screening, followed by a written test, a comprehensive interview, and final selection.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: To be announced soon
• Interview Date: To be announced soon

• Expected Joining Date: Between

Contact Information

Mahindra University Contact: Dr. Sri Kalyana Rama Jyosyula, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, srikalyanarama.j@mahindrauniversity.edu.in

École Centrale de Lyon Contact:  Prof. Amir SI LARBI., Professor, amir.si-larbi@enise.ec-lyon.fr