PhD student position in Formal Verification of Blockchain Applications

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is a joint department at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg, with activities on two campuses in the city of Gothenburg. The department has around 270 employees from over 30 countries. Our research has a wide span, from theoretical foundations to applied systems development. We provide high quality education at Bachelor's, Master's and graduate levels, offering over 120 courses each year. We also have extensive national and international collaborations with academia, industry and society.

Information about the project
The research to be performed in this PhD position is part of a project on 'Smart Contract Verification'. Smart contracts are computer programs running on the blockchain, intended to digitally facilitate the performance of a (financial) contract between all parties which choose to engage with it. The purpose of this project is to provide methods for specifying smart contracts, and on that basis verify, with high automation and with mathematical certainty, whether a given implementation of a smart contract meets this intention. The research is performed in a group which has a strong international reputation in formal software verification. Concretely, the work will build on the 'KeY' approach to software verification, and target the most popular smart contract platform, Ethereum.

The position is placed in the Formal Methods division, which is internationally recognised for its research in software verification. The research, also of this project, is performed in the context of international collaborations. The outcome of the specific research project will contribute to the safety of the arising digital market places in general, and blockchain applications in particular.

Major responsibilities
The position comes with enrolment in the PhD programme for Computer Science and Engineering, designed for 5 years. As a PhD student, you undertake original individual research, under supervision and in context of the research group. This includes preparing research papers, mostly in collaboration with other researchers. 20% of the position are devoted to teaching, mostly as teaching assistants in courses.

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

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field. Applicants should have, or expect shortly to obtain, a Masters degree in Computer Science, or equivalent. A good level of skills in mathematical modelling and reasoning is required. Skills in logic in computer science, verification, computer assisted proof tools, and object-oriented programming are a merrit.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Moreover, if Swedish is not your native language, you are expected to take courses for learning Swedish. Chalmers offers such courses.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

READ MORE AND APPLY HERE

Application deadline: 15th April, 2020

For questions, please contact:
Professor Wolfgang Ahrendt, ahrendt@chalmers.se, +46-31-772-1011

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
  



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!