PhD Position: Explainable Synthesis of Supervisory Controllers

1. Introduction

Are you passionate about algorithm design and analysis, theoretical computer science, and its practical applications? Join the ExSyn project as a PhD candidate to advance synthesis-based engineering and revolutionize control software development!

2. Job description

In this digital age, cyber-physical systems such as bridges, MRI scanners and lithography machines all contain control software that is essential for their correct and safe operation. As these systems become more and more complex, engineers struggle to design the control software by hand. They need efficient model-based engineering approaches and computer-aided design, to develop high-quality control software with less effort.

Your main responsibilities as a PhD candidate will be to conduct cutting-edge research within the Explainable Synthesis of Supervisory Controllers (ExSyn) project. Synthesis-based engineering (SBE) is used to describe how the system itself works and what the requirements for the system are, such as that a bridge must never open when there are cars on it, and that robots must never collide. The computer then automatically creates guaranteed correct models of supervisory controllers, considering the many trillions of possible situations the system may encounter, to ensure the system is always safe. The computer also automatically generates the software implementation based on these models. This saves engineers valuable time and effort and reduces errors.

In the ExSyn project, we will tackle some fundamental open questions that hinder the adoption of SBE. In particular, your research will lead to methods to improve the explainability and traceability of the SBE process, empowering engineers to trust this innovative approach and implement it seamlessly. By developing smart algorithms, you will improve the output of synthesis to be as compact, readable and human-understandable as possible, develop means to make the effects of synthesis as explainable as possible, and improve traceability throughout the SBE process, from execution of the system all the way back to the specified requirements. By contributing your new algorithms to the Eclipse ESCET state-of-the-art open-source synthesis toolkit, your work can directly be applied by industrial engineers.
As a PhD candidate, you will join a vibrant research group. The ExSyn project is a joint project with industrial partner ASML, a leading company in developing photolithography systems, which are essential for manufacturing computer chips. Like other group members, you will have a limited teaching task (10%).

3. Profile

• 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 both independently and as part of a team.
• You are proficient in English and have good communication, presentation and writing skills.
• While previous knowledge of algorithms and theoretical computer science, as well as programming skills 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 Dennis Hendriks or Frits Vaandrager.

4. We are

The position is available in the Software Science group of the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) at the Faculty of Science. Our mission is to conduct world-leading research on the use of models for design and analysis of software, bridging the gap between theory and applications. We have expertise covering a broad range of topics concerning analysis of computer-based systems, mathematical foundations, and software construction. We offer joining a fun and diverse group that maintains a range of international cooperations.

5. We offer

• 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 €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 from the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• 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. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Prof. Frits Vaandrager. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place in the week from 24-28 February. You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.