PhD student position in Programming Language-based Security

Information about the project
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. Our research has a wide span, from theoretical foundations to applied systems development.Increasingly, security flaws in applications arise due to software errors. Programming Language-based Security is a domain in which we strive to enhance security of software application by looking at properties of programming languages.

In the Paragon project, we focus on achieving security of software through the construction and use of a dedicated, statically security-typed programming language. The language Paragon is an extension of Java (implemented in Haskell), adding a type system for information flow control based on an expressive calculus for security policies we have developed.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
The position focuses on improving and extending the applicability of Paragon to practical programming domains. Of particular interest is the Android operating system, where we envision the construction of a secure, information-flow aware app infrastructure.

Research opportunities include:

* applying Paragon to case studies in specific software domains, in particular the domain of Android apps.

* investigating the interaction of information flow and particular language features such as concurrency or typestate;

* applying the principles behind Paragon to other programming languages and paradigms;

* proving mathematical properties of type systems;

The ideal applicant has a strong working knowledge in programming language technology, including type systems, static analysis, and formal semantics; and also in functional programming, as well as a broad interest in programming languages and paradigms in general. Prior knowledge of software security or Android programming are useful but not essential.

To read more about the Paragon project, see the project website (http://www.cse.chalmers.se/research/group/paragon/). We recommend in particular the interactive tutorial (http://cse-212294.cse.chalmers.se/research/paragon/tutorial/).

This position will be supervised by Prof. Niklas Broberg and Prof. David Sands.

PhD student positions are for up to five years of full-time employment; normally, 20% of the time is allocated to departmental work (mainly teaching duties). The salary for the positions is as specified in Chalmers's general agreement for PhD student positions.

The position is intended to start early 2017.

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

Qualifications
The successful applicant need to have a Masters degree or a degree of similar level in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline. You may apply if you have not completed all requirements for your degree, provided you will have before the position at Chalmers starts.

Competitive candidates will have a strong computer science background, both theoretical and practical, with emphasis on programming languages techniques; expertise in some of the areas of interests for this position; a passion for high-quality software research and development; and excellent analytical and communication skills. Prior publications are meritorious.

Whereas both Swedish and English are used in undergraduate courses, English is the working language for research in Chalmers's Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Thus, fluency in English is mandatory for candidates, but knowledge of Swedish is not required.

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

Application deadline: 30 November 2016

For questions, please contact:
Niklas Broberg, niklas.broberg@chalmers.se
+46 31-772 1058

*** 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 eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!