2 PhD students in Computing Science with a focus on Distributed Cloud Computing - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

In our department, characterized by world-leading research in several scientific fields and a multitude of educations ranked highly in international comparison, we are looking for up to two Doctoral students in Computing Science, with a focus on Distributed Cloud Computing.

The Department of Computing science has been growing rapidly in recent years where focus on an inclusive and bottom-up driven environment are key elements in our sustainable growth. The 50 Doctoral students within the department consists of a diverse group from different nationalities, background and fields. If you work as a Doctoral student with us you receive the benefits of support in career development, networking, administrative and technical support functions along with good employment conditions. See more information at:
https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-computing-science/

Is this interesting for you? We welcome your application no later than 26 March 2023.

Project description

We are seeking two PhD students to join the Autonomous Distributed Systems (ADS) Lab at Umeå University (Sweden) to work on research into distributed Cloud-Edge systems.

Cloud computing infrastructures are increasingly distributed, consisting of powerful centralized data centres connected with multiple geographically dispersed Edge nodes. They host Cloud applications, which are typically composed of multiple containerized services that can themselves be distributed and auto-scaled across the Cloud-Edge infrastructure fabric.

This project seeks to develop the theory and models necessary to create a platform that accurately simulates a Cloud-Edge infrastructure together with the dynamic applications that are scheduled across it. The platform will be validated against a physical testbed, and used to develop and evaluate novel autonomous resource management mechanisms that may consider network offloading, scheduling to improving usage of sustainable energy resources, optimal placement of FaaS services, etc. This work is therefore positioned at the intersection between simulation systems and distributed control systems.

The first PhD position will be funded by the Department of Computing Science at Umeå University; the second PhD position will be funded as part of the EU SovereignEdge project – a large new research project that is building a next-generation European Edge-Cloud framework (https://sovereignedge.eu).

Both PhDs will work primarily with Paul Townend, Associate Professor within the ADS Lab. The ADS Lab is an internationally-leading research group that focuses on the autonomous management of the resources and applications that form modern digitized society. The lab currently comprises 20 experienced and world-leading research colleagues from more than 10 different countries. For more information, see: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/autonomous-distributed-systems-lab/

Admission requirements

The general admission requirements for doctoral studies are a second- cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in computing science, the applicant is required to have completed at least 90 ECTS credits in computing science. Applicants who otherwise have acquired skills that are deemed equivalent are also eligible.

Candidates are expected to have very good knowledge in project related areas, including cloud computing, networks, and programming ability (e.g. Python, C, Java, etc.). Experience in planning, machine learning, statistical analysis, distributed computing resource management, or systems modelling and simulation are merits, as is relevant Cloud industry and containerized (docker / kubernetes etc) software development experience.  A very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, is a key requirement.

Important personal qualities are the ability to work on your own as well as together with others, to be creative, and to have a will to actively develop yourself to become a competent researcher.

About the position

The position provides you with the opportunity to pursue PhD studies in Computing Science for four years, with the goal of achieving the degree of Doctor in Computing Science. While the position is mainly devoted to PhD studies (at least 80% of the time), it may include up to 20% department service (usually teaching). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly, resulting in a maximum of five years.

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

The expected starting date is no later than 1 September 2023 or as otherwise agreed.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University.

A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
• A curriculum vitae
• Reprints / copies of completed BSc and/or MSc theses and other relevant publications, if any
• Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents must be in pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than 26 March 2023.

The Department of Computing Science values gender diversity, and therefore particularly encourages women and those outside the gender binary to apply for the position.

For additional information, please contact Dr Paul Townend (paul.townend@umu.se).

We look forward to receiving your application!