PhD Candidate: Evidence-Driven Black-Box Checking

Do you have a passion for designing and analysing algorithms? Are you an ambitious researcher with an interest in theoretical computer science, but also with an eye for practical applications? If so, join the Software Science Group as a PhD candidate!

Nowadays, so much new and complex software is being developed that there are not enough specialists to properly test all this software. As a result, companies need more time/resources for developing software, and their products (which we all use) may contain critical bugs. Therefore, there is a great need for algorithms for automatic software testing.

Your main responsibilities as a PhD candidate will be to conduct cutting-edge research within the NWO project Evidence-Driven Black-Box Checking (EVI). Black-box checking (BBC) is an approach in which, during testing, a state-transition model is constructed of the system under test using active learning algorithms. This approach allows testers to routinely find ’deep’ software bugs that are virtually impossible to find using other methods. The EVI project will tackle some fundamental open questions within the context of the BBC approach. In particular, your research will lead to methods to quantify the evidence for correctness of the learned hypothesis model based on the primary evidence obtained through testing. These methods will then allow you to develop smart algorithms for test selection and for deciding when to stop testing. It is expected that such algorithms will clear the way for broad application of BBC in industry.

As a PhD candidate, you will join a vibrant research group. The EVI project is a collaboration with the group of Dr Petra van den Bos from the University of Twente. Like other group members, you will have a limited teaching load (10%).

Requirements:

• You hold an MSc or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related field, or expect to obtain such a degree this academic year.
• You enjoy working independently as well as part of a team.
• You are proficient in English and have good communication, presentation and writing skills.
• While programming skills and previous knowledge on algorithms and theoretical computer science are beneficial, the willingness to learn and extend your knowledge in these areas is more important.
  
  If you have not yet fully completed your Master's degree but are excited about this position, please do not hesitate to apply or to contact Frits Vaandrager.

Salary Benefits:

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,872 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,670 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

38 hours per week

Houtlaan 4