Fully Funded DPhil Studentship associated with SRC project "Verifying Multi-Core Software"

Fully funded DPhil studentship

The Verification Research Group is offering a fully funded D.Phil studentship in Oxford University's Department of Computer Science. This position is associated with SRC project "Verifying Multi-Core Software", led by Jade Alglave and Daniel Kroening. The project addresses the challenge of reliable programming for multiple execution cores. In order to perform well, the cores implement weak consistency models for the memory that is shared between them; the semantics of these models are frequently surprising even for experienced programmers, and are a subtle cause of defects in software for multi-core architectures that are extremely difficult to observe and reproduce. We aim at model checking algorithms for such programs.

The project will cover both theoretical foundations and the implementation of prototype software tools. Proposals for doctoral study in any of the above-mentioned topics relevant to the project are invited, including a clear statement of how they contribute to the project.  Successful applicants will be working with a first class team and have an exciting and unusual opportunity to work with major commercial companies.

The studentship is fully funded at home/EU fees level   (overseas candidates will need supplementary funding) for 3 years and is available immediately for a start date of January 2013. The studentship includes a stipend of at least £13,590 per year as well as provision for travel to project meetings and conferences.

Candidates must satisfy the usual requirements:

http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/dphil/dphil-criteria.pdf

for studying for a doctorate at Oxford. We will consider students with skills in theoretical computer science and in any of the above-mentioned areas. Candidates must have good writing, communication, presentation, and organization skills.

Applications can be made online here:

https://apply.embark.com/grad/Oxford/16/

When applying for these studentships, please quote the following studentship codes:

2012-DK2-JA-WEB (if you are applying from Computer Science Departmental web pages)

2012-DK2-JA-JOBS (if you are applying via jobs.ac.uk)

The closing date for applications is 31st October, 2012. If you have any questions about the studentship or application process please email  Julie.sheppard@cs.ox.ac.uk