PhD student position in "Multi-core Model Checking", Enschede (The Netherlands)

The research group Formal Methods and Tools at the University of Twente (Enschede - The Netherlands) is looking for a PhD researcher (4 years), on Multi-core Model Checking (MCMC) (vacancy number 08/076)

Our research

Model checking is one of the most successful techniques for the automated analysis of a system's design models, or even software. It is used to asses a system's dependability, and is very effective to uncover deep bugs in the design or code of a system.

Unfortunately, model checking is also very resource intensive, both in memory and run-time. Our general research goal is to design new model checking algorithms, and to develop new tools, that make better use of available modern hardware.

The current trend is to have workstations equipped with more processors/cores, rather than to increase clock speeds. Hence we investigate parallel algorithms. In order to use the aggregated memory of multiple workstations, we investigate distributed algorithms. Non-standard solutions, like using external memory (disk) or specialized hardware (stream processors) are under investigation too.

Model checking is to be interpreted quite broadly here. It encompasses:
- state space generation>
- model checking algorithms for logics like CTL, LTL, mu-calculus, including their quantitative extensions
- state space reduction algorithms
- test case generation algorithms

We seek:

An enthusiastic PhD student with an MSc degree in Computer Science (or an equivalent qualification). The candidate should have a thorough theoretical background (esp. model checking algorithms), and a demonstrable interest in performance-aware programming. Experience in parallel or distributed computing is considered an advantage.

We are looking for a researcher with an independent mind who is willing to cooperate in our team. It is understood that he or she selects his or her own topic in the field sketched above. As a research outcome we expect publications, (prototype) tools, and a PhD thesis.

Starting date of the position: as soon as possible.

We offer:

- A PhD position for four years (38 hrs/week)
- A stimulating scientific environment
- Access to up-to-date hardware (cluster of multi-core computers)
- Gross salary ranging from appr. EUR 2000,- (1st yr) to EUR 2600,- (4th yr) per month
- Holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (this year 6.4%, next year 8.3%)
- Excellent facilities for professional and personal development.
- Good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities
- A green Campus with lots of sports facilities

Further information:

- FMT group: http://fmt.cs.utwente.nl/
- Prof. Jaco van de Pol (vdpol at cs.utwente.nl)
- Dr. Michael Weber (michaelw at cs.utwente.nl)

Application:

Please send your application by E-mail, as soon as possible but no later than October 21, to Mrs. Joke Lammerink (jlammeri at cs.utwente.nl), mentioning vacancy number 08/076, and including:
- A cover letter (explain your specific interest and qualifications);
- A full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses + marks, and a description of your MSc thesis;
- References (contact information) of two scientific staff members;