PhD Candidate in Program Verification

Do you want to carry out a PhD in program verification and proof assistants? And help to scale it up to the verification of realistic systems software?

You will be working on the semantics and verification of systems software (libraries for concurrency, efficient data structures, compilers, and/or operating systems) using type systems, separation logic, and proof assistants. As part of this PhD project, you will contribute to one or more topics:

• The type-theoretical foundations and implementation of the Coq proof assistant to make it suitable for the embedding of verification techniques that scale to fully-fledged languages and software.
• The foundations and implementation of new program logics, type systems, and algorithms for interactive and automated verification.
• The semantics of challenging aspects of low-level/systems programming, e.g. concurrency and memory models of languages such as C, Rust, LLVM, and Assembly.
• The application of existing or new techniques to verify challenging systems software.

As a PhD candidate you will use and contribute to the Iris and Coq projects. You will be supervised by Robbert Krebbers.

As a PhD candidate you will spend 10% of your time on contributing to teaching, and you will have the opportunity to develop yourself by taking courses, visiting summer schools, etc.

The start of the project is flexible, preferably in autumn 2024. If you have not fully completed your Master's studies but are excited about this position, please do not hesitate to apply or to contact us.

Profile

• You hold an MSc or equivalent degree in computer science, mathematics or a closely related field, or expect to obtain such a degree soon.
• You are able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• You are proficient in English. (Dutch is not required.)
• Prior knowledge of proof assistants is appreciated, but not required.

We are

The position is available in the Software Science group of the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) at Radboud University. Our mission is to conduct top research on the use of models for design, verification and analysis of software, bridging the gap between theory and applications. The Software Science group has extensive expertise in formal methods, semantics, proof assistants and theoretical computer science in general, providing an excellent embedding for this project.

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 €2,770 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,539 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• 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. 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.