Post-doctoral Fellow in Data-Driven Software Engineering to improve Software Security

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 Post-doctoral Fellow in Data-Driven Software Engineering to improve Software Security

Simula Research Laboratory is seeking outstanding candidates for a 2.5-year, full-time paid, Postdoctoral Fellow position in Data-Driven Software Engineering to improve Software Security. The expected starting date 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 a PhD degree in Computer Science, with specialization in Software Engineering, Software Security, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related direction. Applicants who have not yet defended their thesis may also apply provided that the PhD work is submitted for assessment before the closing date for the application. Applicants are expected to have a strong publication record in selective international academic conferences and/or journals, and preferably have experience with the application of neural machine translation or other machine learning techniques in a software engineering context.

Strong candidates will show that they are self-motivated, organized, eager to work on challenging research problems, and keen to communicate their results to others. Candidates are also 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 electroniccommunication 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 535.200 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.
• learn more about working at Simula: Careers at Simula

Application Requirements

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);
• a short research statement (maximum 2 pages);
• academic transcripts of the PhD, MSc and BSc degrees;
• digital copies of (max 3) original research publications that the candidate considers as being representative(s) of their research work;
• letters of recommendation from two references, including the PhD 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 ([email protected]). Note that applications should be submitted through the online submission system at 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.

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