PhD Candidate in Software and System Verification

About the SnT

SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

We're looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place!

Your Role

As the successful candidate, you will join the Security, Reasoning and Validation (SeRVal) group of the SnT, under the supervision of Dr. Maxime Cordy. You will contribute more specifically to the VARIANCE project, funded by Luxembourg National Research Fund. The topic of the project is "Variability-Aware Design of Cyber-Physical Systems" and it concerns the development of novel verification methods to effectively support the design process of cyber-physical systems. The key idea is to represent a large set of design alternatives in a concise model with a well-defined semantics and then apply efficient verification techniques to assess the performance of these designs with regard to different indicators and objectives. The involved analysis techniques include (but are not limited to): model checking, guided sampling, metaheuristics, simulations, prediction models (machine learning). The results of the project are expected to apply to multiple use cases across different domains, e.g., automotive systems, space systems, smart grids, smart factories, etc. Depending on your profile, the project can focus more on theory, development and/or applications. However, all three aspects are expected to be covered during the project.

The supervision team you will be working with is:

• Maxime Cordy: research scientist at SeRVal

You will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Carrying out research in the predefined areas
• Survey the scientific literature in the relevant research domains
• Disseminating results through scientific publications
• Communicate with stakeholders to collect requirements and report results
• Implement proof-of-concept software tools

Your Profile

Qualification:

The candidate should possess an MSc degree (or equivalent) in computer science with strong programming skills and good knowledge of verification methods.

Experience: The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and/or experience in most of the following topics:

• Programming (ideally C/C++)
• Variability-intensive software systems (software product lines, configurable systems)
• Model checking
• Software engineering
• Graph theory
• Metaheuristics
• Probability theory
• Sampling and simulations
• Embedded systems (automotive, satellite …)
• Machine learning

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory

Here's what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT's two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there's more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Full CV, including list of publications
• The name (and email address, contact details) of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL06405

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time)