PhD-student in Computer Science

On 1st January 2010, Linnaeus University opened its doors for the first time as Sweden’s newest university, the result of a merger between Kalmar University and Växjö University.Department of Computer Science – Linnaeus University, Växjö Campus
Johann Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics & Computer Science – Groningen University

Research Environment
Based at the Computer Science Department of Linnaeus University, AdaptWise conducts research in self-adaptive systems. Key questions the research group is interested in are: What are appropriate formalisms and design models to realize and assure self-adaptation for different, possibly conflicting quality concerns? How can the design models be exploited at runtime to provide evidence for the required adaptation goals?

The research group Software Engineering and Architecture is part of the Department of Mathematics and Computing Science of the University of Groningen. The group carries out research in the area of pattern-based architecture design and evaluation, architecture-centric evolution, architectural knowledge, and service oriented architecture

Both universities have adopted a strategy for achieving equal conditions for all its employees and students within the university’s fields of activity, which means e.g. a uniform gender distribution within the staff.

Description of the position
The research project will be carried in the research group of Software Architecture and Self-Adaptive Systems at Linnaeus University (supervision of Prof. Danny Weyns) and the Software Engineering and Architecture research group in Groningen University (supervision Prof. Paris Avgeriou). The goal of the research project is to study and develop a systematic approach for self-adaptation of multiple concerns. Central to the approach are tradeoff analyses and conflict resolution between different concerns at runtime. The primary focus will be on robustness (the ability of the system to cope autonomously with errors during execution) and openness (the ability of the system to adapt dynamically when parts enter or leave the system at will). To that end, we aim is to: (1) study and develop models that capture the required knowledge of the concerns of interest, and (2) investigate how these models can be employed at runtime to support tradeoff analysis and conflict resolution to realize adaptation for the multiple concerns. The research will be driven by, and empirically validated in, the domain of healthy ageing, and particularly smart home services for elderly people.

In addition to the research, the position includes up to 20% teaching support at the Computer Science Department.

General entry requirements
A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:
- has been awarded a second-cycle qualification- has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
- has acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

The higher education institution may permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds.

Assessment criteria/Qualifications
Candidates should have Master degree in Computer Science or in a closely related subject. The successful candidate has excellent analytical skills, is a committed researcher with a drive for excellence; she or he is a team player, but can also work independently. Very good skills to express her- or himself scientifically in written and spoken Englishare a prerequisite. Prior research experience or the ability to readily get knowledgeable in one or more of the following topics is a significant plus: software architecture, self-adaptive systems, formal methods, and empirical validation.

Special weight is given to the applicant’s ability to contribute to an attractive interdisciplinary research environment (which is particularly relevant for the domain of smart homes) and perform research in cooperation with industry and public actors.

Terms of employment
The vacancy is a fully funded full-time appointment with the objective to obtain a PhD.

Information Questions regarding the research area and the profile in particular should be directed to Prof. Danny Weyns, +46 (0)470 767548, danny.weyns@lnu.se
Head of the Department, Jesper Andersson +46 (0)470 708460, jesper.andersson@lnu.se
Union representatives can be accessed via the university switchboard, +46 (0)772 288000. Matters of employment will be answered by staff consultant Eric Åstedt, +46 (0)470 767558, eric.astedt@lnu.se

Your application (in English) must be registered no later than January 9, 2014. Ref.no is: PA 2013/597-2.2.1. More information can be found on the Linnaeus University homepage, under the heading Jobs and Vacancies, where you apply. Mandatory appendices to be submitted with the application: motivation letter, CV, degree certificates, and relevant publications.