Postdoctoral Researcher in Formal Methods

Ref PAR 2021/59

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The department of Computer Science and Engineering is strongly international, with approximately 270 employees from over 30 countries. The department is a fully integrated department with the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology as principals. The position is placed in the unit for Formal Methods at the department, with the University of Gothenburg as the employer.

Subject area

Formal Methods – specifically reactive synthesis from temporal specifications

Subject area description

You will work on the ERC Consolidator funded project “dSynMA: Distributed Synthesis from Single to Multiple Agents”. The aims of the project are to develop theoretical foundations that will enable to apply reactive synthesis from temporal specifications to work for multiple agents. This includes studying two-player games and their solutions, modelling solutions for interacting agents, and studies of temporal and modal logic.

Specifically, research will focus on the following objectives:

1. Consider modelling frameworks that combine message passing and variable sharing allowing for synchronization as well as passage of information.
2. Work on algorithmic analysis of games that arise from combinations of multiple agents supporting rich modelling features. This includes analysis of partial information games and applications of abstraction and compositionality to games analysis.
3. Study specification languages that allow to reason about how agents interact as well as what are their goals. Algorithmically analyse games that arise from such specifications.

Job assignments

To engage in research related to the topic of the grant:

• To plan and produce independent high-quality original research.
• To write up findings for scientific publications.
• To present scientific findings at international conferences.
• To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required by providing support and guidance to other staff and students.
• To engage in continuous professional development, for example through participation in relevant staff development programmes or other training events.

Liaison with collaborators within and outside the University of Gothenburg:

• Regular attendance at major international and national conferences to present research results and to network, contributing to personal recognition and enhancing the reputation of the University and the wider research programme.
• The post holder may be required to take a role in the supervision of PhD students and potentially master and undergraduate student projects.

Eligibility

The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Gothenburg. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated in the advertisement, for example Model Checking or Formal Verification. Since a position as postdoctoral researcher aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

Assessment

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 – 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Essential

• PhD degree in computer science or closely related field.
• Proven strong track record demonstrating high-level knowledge and skills in Verification, Model Checking, Automata on Infinite Objects, Temporal Logic, or Two-Player Games.
• Proven strong track record demonstrating high ability to write, present and publish research results in relevant conferences and journals.
• High level of proficiency in English, sufficient to undertake research, teaching and administrative activities utilising English Language materials and to communicate effectively with staff and students
• Good written communication skills.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a research team.
• Ability to observe research ethics.
• Highly trustworthy with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work under time pressure to meet tight deadlines and to organize own time.

Desirable

• Experience of working with students and collaborators.
• Experience of undertaking collaborative research.
• Ability to make public presentation of results

Employment

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, central agreement
Extent: 100 % of full time
Location: Department of Computer Science and Engineering /Unit of Formal Methods
First day of employment: 2021-03-01 or as soon as possible upon agreement.

For further information:

Regarding the project, please contact Nir Piterman (e-mail: piterman@chalmers.se)
Regarding the position, please contact David Sands (e-mail: dave@chalmers.se)
Regarding the appointment procedure, please contact HR-partner Anna Skanse (e-mail: anna.skanse@chalmers.se)

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application. The application is to be written in English.

Closing date: 2021-02-15

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.