PhD Fellow in Data-Driven Software Engineering to improve Software Security
Deadline: 15.01.2021
Simula Research Laboratory AS
Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research institute located at Fornebu, just outside Oslo, Norway. It is a multi-cultural organization, employing about 155 people from 35 countries (the official working language at Simula is English). Simula conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cryptography. Simula's main objective is to generate new understanding and create vital knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value for society. This is achieved through high quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialization. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. The most recent in-depth evaluation graded all research groups at Simula as excellent.
Norway is famous for its epic outdoor scenery, with wonderful fjords, gorgeous waterfalls and majestic mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare. Oslo is a vibrant European capital, uniquely surrounded by forests and hills offering unsurpassed natural beauty, and the occasional troll. Oslo boasts a wide range of cultural and recreational activities, such as exceptional hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing opportunities within 30 minutes of the city centre by subway. Learn more about Norway: Official travel guide to Norway
Call for a PhD Fellow in Data-Driven Software Engineering to improve Software Security
Simula Research Laboratory is seeking outstanding candidates for a three-year, full-time paid, PhD position in Data-Driven Software Engineering to improve Software Security. The expected starting date is early spring 2021 and the review of candidates will be performed continuously until the position has been filled. It will be possible to start work remotely in case there are still corona-related travel restrictions.
Project Description
The position is funded by the Norwegian Research Council via the IKTPLUSS project secureIT. The overall goal of the project is to devise intelligent methods and techniques that will support software engineers with automated identification of potentially vulnerable source code during development. More concretely, we will investigate the use of data-driven techniques to improve vulnerability prediction based on vulnerability smells and security anti-patterns, and to conduct anomaly-based vulnerability prediction.
Candidate profile
The appointment requires an MSc degree in Computer Science, with specialization in Software Engineering, Software Security, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related direction, with excellent marks for both the BSc and MSc degrees. Ideal candidates have earlier experience with the application of machine learning, neural machine translation or natural language processing techniques in a software engineering context.
Strong candidates will demonstrate that they are self-motivated, organized, eager to work on challenging research problems, and keen to communicate their results to others. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an excellent level of spoken and written English, possess solid analytical and programming skills, show good interpersonal and communication skills and a willingness to work as part of an international team. Simula is an equal opportunity employer, and women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Simula Offers
excellent opportunities for performing high quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers;
an informal and inclusive international working environment;
generous support for conference travel and equipment (incl. laptop, phone and electronic communication subscriptions);
opportunities to build an international network through established collaborations with industry, exchange programs, and research visits to other universities;
modern office facilities located by the Oslo fjord and a 10-minute drive from the centre of Oslo;
a competitive salary, with a starting salary from 482.200 NOK/yr;
numerous benefits, such as access to company cabins, various bonus arrangements, sponsored social events, subsidized canteen meals and monthly bus pass, comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, free access to gym, etc.;
relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc;
administrative research support: e.g., quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU programs);
wellness and work-life balance: flexible work arrangements to help balance work and home life efficiently.
Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:
a cover letter explaining the candidate’s background, qualifications, research interests and how/why the candidate is qualified for the position;
curriculum vitae (summarizing education, positions and academic or industrial work, scientific publications, and software development experience);
academic transcripts of MSc and BSc degree;
a copy of your Master thesis and/or (up to three) papers written by the applicant as first author;
letters of recommendation from two references, including the Master supervisor.
Application deadline: ultimately January 15, 2021, but applications will be screened continuously and a decision will be made as soon as we find the right candidate, so we advise interested candidates to apply early.
Contact
Further enquiries regarding the position should be addressed to Leon Moonen (leon@simula.no). Note that applications should be submitted through the online submission system here.
We use Semac´s background check in our recruitment process.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova), information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
