Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

Umeå University, the Department of Computing Science (www.cs.umu.se), is seeking a PhD student in Computer Science with focus on Formal Analysis of Programs for Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices. The Department of Computing Science is a dynamic environment with around 130 employees from more than 20 countries worldwide. Deadline for application is May 1st, 2021.

The Automated Software Engineering Group (ASE) has a broad span of research interests, ranging from developing the new mathematics of software systems' computational behavior to all aspects of logic through the study and development of system design and verification methods. The group has a particular strength in the automation of reasoning to formally build verified trustworthy software systems to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Members of the ASE have a world-leading reputation in computational logic and verification, especially in software verification and automated reasoning. Other areas of interest include runtime verification, program synthesis, software testing, cyber-physical systems, and security. ASE develops two award-winning software verification and testing tools, including ESBMC and JBMC, which have consistently won international competitions in software verification and testing over the last ten years. The group has made significant contributions to software verification and automated reasoning: theory and implementation techniques. The ASE also has strong links to the industry, including collaborations with ARM, AWS, Intel, and Nokia.

WASP

The project is part of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. Software is the main enabler in these systems, and is an integrated research theme of the program.

The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish industry.”

Read more at: https://wasp-sweden.org/

The graduate school within WASP provides foundations, perspectives, and state-of-the-art knowledge in the different disciplines taught by leading researchers in the field. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD students, researchers and industry. It thus provides added value on top of the existing PhD programs at the partner universities, providing unique opportunities for students who are dedicated to achieving international research excellence with industrial relevance.

Project description

The project conducts research in in the area of software model checking, automated testing, program synthesis, embedded & cyber-physical systems, and security.

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, or in a subject considered to be directly relevant for the specialization in question. Applicants who otherwise have acquired skills that are deemed equivalent are also eligible.

Candidates are expected to have very good knowledge in at least one of the following areas:

  • Bounded model checking
  • Runtime verification
  • Dynamic symbolic execution/abstract interpretation
  • Fuzzing
  • Automated reasoning/first-order theorem proving

Important personal qualities are:

  • Strong coding skills
  • Excellent communication, collaborative and interpersonal skills
  • An excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken
  • Ability to present in both written and oral publications

Other desirable qualifications:

  • Previous implementation experience with a formal analysis tool
  • Knowledge of and previous experience of hardware/software design

Terms of employment

The position is aimed for PhD studies and research during an equivalent of four years full-time, leading to a PhD exam. It is mainly devoted to postgraduate studies (at least 80% of the time), but may include up to 20% department service (usually teaching). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly (up to maximum five years). Expected starting date is June 1st, 2021 or as otherwise agreed.

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.

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 thesis and other relevant publications, if any
  • Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
  • Contact information for two persons willing to act as references
  • Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents must be in Word or pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than May 1st, 2021.

The Department of Computing Science values the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage women to apply for the position.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 20-06-01
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-194-21
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 10.Feb.2021
Last application date 01.May.2021 11:59 PM CEST

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