PhD student position in Debloating Machine Learning Systems

Information about the research
Machine learning systems are proliferating our life, being part of almost every modern software stack. From industrial automation, to healthcare systems, there is an exponential adoption of these systems. While a lot of research is being done on how to design and build machine learning algorithms, very little work is being done on optimizing the systems that run these algorithms.

Like many computer systems, machine learning systems are bloated, with millions of lines of code being added to these systems every year. This bloat results in a technical debt when using these systems, where some resources (and energy) might be wasted due to this bloat. Besides the wasted resources, in general, code bloat leads to increased security vulnerabilities.

This project will investigate how to optimize machine learning systems, building on some of our recent results on removing code bloat where it exists. In addition, we will look at how to increase the modularity of these systems, to be more manageable, scalable, and efficient.

Project description
You will work in the intersection of computer systems, software engineering, and machine learning. Our aim will be to revolutionize how these systems operate, increasing their efficiency. This will enable you to develop a very unique set of skills in all three areas, while tackling interesting and challenging problems in all three areas.

The project is funded via WASP, the largest single project programme in the history of Sweden with over 5 Billion SEK (almost half a billion USD). The student will be part of the WASP graduate school and is required to take courses within the school. The perks of being a WASP student includes research visits to multiple top institutions, close collaboration with Swedish industry, and interacting with some of the best PhD students in Europe.

With 20 full time faculty, working on diverse problems related to computer systems and networking, our division Networks and Systems (CNS) at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the best places to do a PhD in computer systems in Europe. We are a collaborative environment, with collaborations within our division, but also with many others within Chalmers and beyond. We have access to cutting-edge equipments and labs.

Main responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies, while being active in WASP. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours. You will work closely with your supervisors in their respective areas of research with the aim of publishing in the best and most reputable venues in the field, e.g., EuroSys, NSDI, OSDI, HPDC, MLSys, ASPLOS, ICSE, and so on.

In addition, you will work in collaboration with KTH in Sweden, the University of Wisconsin Madisson and UMass Amherst in the USA.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, we would like you to have an M.Sc. with a focus on Computer Systems, Software Engineering, Machine learning, or related fields corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits.

WASP is highly competitive, and part of the evaluation process will be grades (specially in courses related to the project). That being said, we strongly encourage people with lower grades but strong relevant experience to apply.

You should preferably be able to code in C, C++ or Python. We expect you to become quickly confident in navigating and working with very-large code bases (Millions of lines of code), while being open to learning new technologies. Experience with Machine learning algorithms, or machine learning systems is a strong plus.

Industrial experience with software systems and large code basis can be a strong merit.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
Learn more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9727


Application deadline: 10 August, 2021