Research Assistant / Associate in Formal Methods, Specification and Verification and Compositional Program Analysis

About the role:

We a looking for a motivated Research Assistant / Associate in Formal Methods, Specification and Verification and Compositional Program Analysis to work in our

“Proof of Bugs for All” project.

This is a 12-month research project (with the possibility to extend it further) funded by the Information Innovation Office (I2O) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The project is led by Dr Azalea Raad in collaboration with Prof Peter O’Hearn at University College London and seeks to seed a fundamental direction for program analysis tools, based on the recent theory of incorrectness logic. The project’s goal is to develop a stable prototype analyser that enables sound bug detection throughout the full life cycle of program development, from development in an IDE all the way to deployment to production.

What you would be doing:

You will be supporting the PIs and Research Engineer in developing an analyser that can provide accuracy (soundness) of bugs detected and ease of use for developers. You will work closely with the PIs to develop new theoretical foundations to underpin the analyser integrating these ideas into the analyser and participating in its development.

What we are looking for:

You will need a strong track record and a background in formal methods, specifically in the theory of under- approximate reasoning and compositional analysis.

Experience in working with current symbolic execution techniques and tools and / or experience developing automated and semi-automated verification tools will be highly desirable.

You will need to have, or expect shortly to obtain, a PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field, with a strong background in at least one of the following areas: Formal Methods, Specification and Verification and Compositional Program Analysis. 

What we can offer you:

• This is an exciting project, aiming to seed a fundamental direction for program analysis tools, based on the recent theory of incorrectness logic.
• You will be working closely with prominent researchers in the verification community, developing new theoretical and real-world applications.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

The position is available for an immediate start.

This is a fixed term position for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

In addition to completing the online application candidates should attach:

A full CV, with a list of all publications

A 1-page research statement indicating what you see are interesting research issues relating to the above post and why your expertise is relevant.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Dr Azalea Raad, azalea.raad@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process contact:

Jamie Perrins: j.perrins@imperial.ac.uk

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