Postdoctoral position in Software Testing and Programming Languages

Fixed-term appointments until 31 December 2020

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions, joint between the Software Reliability Group and the Multicore Programming Group, under the direction of Dr. Cristian Cadar and Dr. Alastair Donaldson.

We are looking for motivated applicants interested in working at the intersection of software testing and programming languages. The research will focus on testing compilers for popular programming languages, and understanding the extent to which compiler bugs affect deployed programs. A particular focus of the research will be on bugs that are security-critical in nature, presenting a largely unexplored attack surface whereby software that is correct at the source level can nevertheless be vulnerable to exploitation when erroneously compiled into binary form. The research will also aim to mitigate this threat at runtime by using novel multi-version execution techniques in which versions of the same program compiled by different compilers are run in parallel. These ideas will be investigated using a number of case studies, together with our industrial and academic partners, which would showcase the techniques of the project in concert.

Candidates should be motivated to work at the intersection of software testing and programming languages. To apply, candidates will need to have a strong computing background, experience in building and working with large software testing tools, and proven knowledge in either software testing or practical aspects of programming languages (such as compiler design and implementation). Candidates are also expected to have a proven research record and publications in the relevant areas. Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) in an area pertinent to the subject area. Candidates close to completion of their PhD will also be considered, but will be initially appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £32,380 - £34,040 per annum. Excellent pre-doctoral candidates wishing to undertake doctoral studies in this research area will also be considered.

Candidates will have excellent communication skills and be able to organise their own work with minimal supervision and prioritise work to meet deadlines. All applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English.

The Department of Computing at Imperial College London is a leading department of Computer Science among UK Universities. The department has achieved top results in each of the research assessment exercises undertaken by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. There are over fifty academic staff members actively involved in research, creating a lively and stimulating atmosphere. The department is located in central London, next to Hyde Park and the museums of South Kensington.

For informal inquiries about this position please contact Dr. Cristian Cadar and Dr. Alastair Donaldson. For further information on the Software Reliability Group and and Multicore Programming Group, and related projects, see http://srg.doc.ic.ac.uk/ and http://multicore.doc.ic.ac.uk/.

How to apply

Applications must include the following:

  • An online college application form available here.

  • A full CV including a publication list.

  • A two-page research statement indicating what you see are interesting research issues relating to the above post and why your expertise is relevant.

  • Transcripts of all higher-education degree results.

  • The names and contact information of two or three referees who can provide letters of recommendation.

Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Ms. Georgina Tennant, Administrative Assistant, at g.tennant@imperial.ac.uk.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are also an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Two Ticks Employer, and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.