PhD Position: Explainable Synthesis of Supervisory Controllers

Are you passionate about algorithm design and analysis, theoretical computer science, and its practical applications? Join the ExSyn project as a PhD candidate to advance synthesis-based engineering and revolutionize control software development!

In this digital age, cyber-physical systems such as bridges, MRI scanners and lithography machines all contain control software that is essential for their correct and safe operation. As these systems become more and more complex, engineers struggle to design the control software by hand. They need efficient model-based engineering approaches and computer-aided design, to develop high-quality control software with less effort.

Your main responsibilities as a PhD candidate will be to conduct cutting-edge research within the Explainable Synthesis of Supervisory Controllers (ExSyn) project. Synthesis-based engineering (SBE) is used to describe how the system itself works and what the requirements for the system are, such as that a bridge must never open when there are cars on it, and that robots must never collide. The computer then automatically creates guaranteed correct models of supervisory controllers, considering the many trillions of possible situations the system may encounter, to ensure the system is always safe. The computer also automatically generates the software implementation based on these models. This saves engineers valuable time and effort and reduces errors.

In the ExSyn project, we will tackle some fundamental open questions that hinder the adoption of SBE. In particular, your research will lead to methods to improve the explainability and traceability of the SBE process, empowering engineers to trust this innovative approach and implement it seamlessly. By developing smart algorithms, you will improve the output of synthesis to be as compact, readable and human-understandable as possible, develop means to make the effects of synthesis as explainable as possible, and improve traceability throughout the SBE process, from execution of the system all the way back to the specified requirements. By contributing your new algorithms to the Eclipse ESCET state-of-the-art open-source synthesis toolkit, your work can directly be applied by industrial engineers.

As a PhD candidate, you will join a vibrant research group. The ExSyn project is a joint project with industrial partner ASML, a leading company in developing photolithography systems, which are essential for manufacturing computer chips. Like other group members, you will have a limited teaching task (10%).

Profile

• You hold an MSc or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related field, or expect to obtain such a degree this academic year.
• You enjoy working both independently and as part of a team.
• You are proficient in English and have good communication, presentation and writing skills.
• While previous knowledge of algorithms and theoretical computer science, as well as programming skills are beneficial, the willingness to learn and extend your knowledge in these areas is more important.

We are

The position is available in the Software Science group of the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) at the Faculty of Science. Our mission is to conduct world-leading research on the use of models for design and analysis of software, bridging the gap between theory and applications. We have expertise covering a broad range of topics concerning analysis of computer-based systems, mathematical foundations, and software construction. We offer joining a fun and diverse group that maintains a range of international cooperations.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 from the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.