Postdoc Position in Formal Methods for Software Security

The Semantics, Cybersecurity and Services (SCS) group and the Formal Methods and Tools (FMT) group at the University of Twente are looking for a full- time postdoc to join their research team. The prospective candidate will perform research at the intersection of software security, with a focus on automation, and formal methods, with a focus on program verification, and they will design novel software analysis techniques to characterize and mitigate vulnerabilities. The precise work plan for the position will be worked out as the intersection of the expertise of the candidate and the supervisors.

As the candidate postdoc, you will be appointed full-time for one year (after which a contract extension will be evaluated), and you are expected to perform high-quality research and implement open-source research prototypes that the community can benefit from. The SCS and the FMT groups are internationally recognized in the broad areas of systems and data security and formal methods, and they provide a unique collaborative and friendly atmosphere, in which researchers have considerable freedom in picking their projects and receive substantial support from supervisors and colleagues. We publish in top-tier conferences to maximize our visibility and impact, and we can guide you toward becoming a top researcher and boosting your CV.

You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher, aspiring to do world-class research and have a real-world impact.

You have a PhD degree with a strong publication record in computer science; applications from students who are about to finish their PhD will be considered as well.

You enjoy experimentation, have an affinity with tool development, and are a good programmer.

You have a solid background in systems and software security and/or formal verification and have knowledge and skills in topics such as fuzzing, static analysis, program verification, and formal specifications.

You are an independent and original thinker with a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.

You are interested in learning how things work and how to make them better.

You have great team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented and interdisciplinary environment.

You are fluent in English.

You will be appointed full-time for one year within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU); You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 4.060; to € 5.331 per month depending on experience and qualifications;

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers, and other staff.

Are you interested in this position? Please submit your application before January 25, 2025, via the ‘Apply now' button below and include:

A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivation to apply for a research position in this area.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including publications, academic awards, and your working experience

For more information, please contact dr.ir. Andrea Continella ([email protected]) or Prof.dr. Marieke Huisman ([email protected]).

The SCS and FMT groups are part of the Computer Science department of the University of Twente. Each group consists of approximately 40 researchers with a very diverse background. The department has an open and inclusive atmosphere, and each group has many group activities (both work-related and fun).

Digitalization brings many new opportunities for businesses and governments by fostering the development of innovative online services. However, this development also brings new challenges, notably in terms of intelligence, interoperability, security and privacy. The mission of the SCS group is to realize the vision of meaningful computing within trusted digital environments by advancing the forefront of semantic modelling, enhancing cybersecurity, and innovating service design.

The mission of FMT is to develop mathematical methods, high-performance data structures and algorithms, and suitable programming languages for the design of reliable software- and data-intensive control systems. We focus on modelling, synthesis, analysis, prediction and maintenance of their functional, structural and quantitative aspects. We aim to understand the safety, reliability, performance, and energy usage of complex systems and the risks and costs associated with their architecture, design, operation and maintenance.

Both SCS and FMT are involved in the Twente University Centre for Cybersecurity Research (TUCCR). TUCCR is a public-private partnership where experts, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students from industry and knowledge partners collaborate to deliver talents, innovations, and know- how in the domain of cybersecurity. The mission of TUCCR is to strengthen the security and digital sovereignty of our society by performing top-level research on real-world data, systems, and network security challenges. To achieve significant societal impact, TUCCR combines technical, socio-economic, and ethical know-how and is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, ranging from security labs, testbeds, and data lakes.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Associate Professor

Associate Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Andrea for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Phone:+31534892752

Email:[email protected]

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

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