Logic List Mailing Archive
Two PhD student positions & one postdoctoral position on formal methods, Leuven (Belgium), Deadline: 30 Oct 2020
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2 PhD positions and 1 Post-Doc position on formal methods for
Software for Safe and Dependable Autonomous Systems
KU Leuven, Belgium
4 year positions
starting date: 1 Jan 2021
apply until: 30 October 2020
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Safety is a crucial concern for autonomous systems like robots, cars,
drones, off-road vehicles, etc.
While a myriad of studies in autonomous systems today focus on perception
and control, the new project called ?SAFETEE? project aims for a vertical,
in-depth study of a full-stack software platform for decision making.
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Open positions
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To strengthen our project team, we are looking for new colleagues - two
PhD researchers and one postdoctoral researcher.
1. PhD position on requirements engineering for safety in autonomous
systems
This track will study how to unambiguously specify safety requirements
using formal logic, and verify the completeness and consistency of the
safety constraints. Starting from ?System Theoretic Process Analysis?
(STPA), we will check whether STPA scales towards autonomous systems and
if/how STPA can account for autonomous systems that may adapt during
operation due to learning and the use of Artificial Intelligence. The
results will be validated in a joint use case on an autonomous mobile
robot.
2. PhD position on formal specification and verification of safe behaviour
decision making of autonomous agents
This track will study the formal logic-based specification and
verification of autonomous decision making of agents that account for
safety constraints, in a context of non-deterministic actions and
perception. This research may evolve towards bounded model checking or
correct-by-construction policy generation. The results will be validated
in a joint use case on an autonomous mobile robot.
3. Postdoc position
The postdoctoral researcher will define a relevant research track on
formal specification and verification of safety in autonomous systems
(incl. on requirements and decision making). Additionally, the postdoc
researcher will support the coordination of the project in close
collaboration with the PIs, and will coordinate the collaboration on the
use case on an autonomous mobile robot.
All are for 4 years full-time positions (with intermediate evaluation).
The positions start from January 1, 2021 (open for negotiation).
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Who are we looking for?
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For this position, we expect from you:
? a master degree in computer science,
? strong software engineering knowledge and expertise (for the record, if you are unaware of the difference between software engineering and programming, abstain from applying),
? a strong interest in relevant areas (requirements engineering, system safety engineering, logic-based formal methods and verification, robotics),
? an analytical mindset and technical skills,
? fluent English communication skills.
For the postdoc position, we expect
? a PhD degree in computer science,
? strong software engineering knowledge and expertise (for the record, if you are unaware of the difference between software engineering and programming, abstain from applying),
? knowledge and expertise in multiple topics in the following list: requirements engineering, system safety, formal methods and verification, automated planning, software engineering for robotics,
? a strong academic track record in a related field (formal requirements engineering, safety engineering, specification and verification, automated planning),
? an analytical mindset and technical skills,
? optionally some industry experience,
? fluent English communication skills.
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We offer...
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? a supportive and collaborative environment in which you can develop know-how and expertise in state-of-the-art technologies,
? the opportunity to develop research and innovation skills that are essential for a future career in industrial as well as academic research and development environments,
? support in the further development of your competences to analyze strategic research problems and to architect and evaluate innovative solutions with industrial applicability,
? and an international and multicultural research and education environment at the KU Leuven High Tech Campuses in Leuven and Brugge.
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Where?
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In short? At the Dept. of Computer Science, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
You will be working closely with a team of researchers around Tom Holvoet,
Jan Tobias Muehlberg, Jeroen Boydens, Davy Pissoort.
The project is a close collaboration between the DistriNet research group
in Leuven and the M-Group in Bruges. The positions mentioned above are
mainly located in the Leuven campus, with frequent meetings and visits to
the Bruges campus.
The DistriNet Research Group
DistriNet is an internationally renowned research group of the KU Leuven.
The group is part of the Department of Computer Science and of the KU
Leuven Security and Privacy Competence Center. With a headcount of over 80
researchers, we have built up expertise on a wide range of topics such as
distributed software and autonomous systems, formal specification and
verification, middleware for cloud computing, network and software
security, software for embedded systems and smart devices. For more
information, visit us at https://distrinet.cs.kuleuven.be?.
About the M-Group Research Group
The M-Group is focused on the growing demand, by builders and users, for
machines and systems to more advanced and fully integrated mechatronic
systems. With a headcount of 25+ junior researchers and 3 senior
researchers, the team is fast growing. Our competences relevant for this
project are in the field of software coding (resilient software behaviour,
functional safety, model-based development, embedded software, etc.) and
dependable electronics (electromagnetic compatibility, mission- and
safety-critical systems, virtual and physical testing, mission- and
safety-critical systems, etc.). For more information, visit us at
https://iiw.kuleuven.be/brugge/m-group
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Interested?
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Send us your application and CV including your interests, expertise and
motivation by e-mail to safetee@cs.kuleuven.be as soon as possible but no
later than ?October 30, 2020? .
Do not hesitate to contact Tom.Holvoet@kuleuven.be if you have any
questions regarding these positions.
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