Machine Learning for Interfaces Fully-Funded Doctoral Studentship in Formal Verification

Machine Learning for Interfaces

Fully-Funded Doctoral Studentship in Formal Verification

Department of Computer Science, Oxford University

Supervisors: Professor Tom Melham and Professor Daniel Kroening 

Start Date: October 2017.

Oxford University’s Automated Verification Research Group is offering one fully-funded D.Phil. (PhD) studentship in the Department of Computer Science. 

This project is in the area of machine learning and formal verification for computer systems built from components, such as devices in the Internet of Things.  The project aims to develop methods, algorithms, and tools for formal verification of systems built from components, using (among other possible techniques) machine learning to analyse component interactions based on log data.

Within this broad scope, the exact directions pursued in the research will be flexible, to suit the background and interests of the candidate appointed.  Examples of areas of background experience that are relevant to the project include, but are not limited to, the following:

• machine learning
• formal verification, theoretical or applied
• symbolic execution, model checking
• automated software verification
• analysis of concurrent systems
• internet of things applications

The project will involve machine learning, formal methods and theoretical foundations, and is aiming ultimately at practical results.  Further information about the project is available to potential applicants with a serious interest and suitable background. 

The successful applicant will be working with a first-class team in Oxford’s globally leading verification research group.  The position is also associated with a research project funded by the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) led by Professors Tom Melham and Daniel Kroening.  Through the project’s sponsorship by the SRC, the applicant will have the opportunity for engagement with top researchers and verification practitioners at SRC member companies in the semiconductor sector.  SRC mentors for the project include representatives of Intel, ARM, and IBM.

We will consider students with strong computer science background.  Candidates must also have good writing, communication, presentation, and organization skills.  Applicants must in addition satisfy the usual requirements for studying for a doctorate at Oxford. See the University’s web pages on the DPhil in Computer Science for details.

The studentship is funded at a level that will cover University and College fees at home/EU student rates, together with a stipend of at least £14,296 per annum.  Applicants who will be liable for fees at the overseas rate are welcome, but will have to make up the difference between home/EU and overseas fees.  There will also be provision for some funds to support research travel during the doctorate.  The studentships will be funded for three years and will start in October 2017

Please apply  online  by 26 May 2017 quoting studentship reference code CS-TM-DK-2017.

If you have any questions about the studentship please email  Tom Melham .

If you have any questions about the studentship or the formal application University process please email   Julie Sheppard .

Posted: 5 May 2017