Open Positions / Job Offers

Opportunities for young scientists to join the research group for Application-oriented Formal Verification at KIT as

PhD Researcher
or
Postdoctoral Researcher.

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling scientific journey bringing together the precision of rigorous formal foundations with the latest advances in software and algorithm engineering research? Then apply now to shape the future of formal verification in an excellent working environment.

We are delighted to announce several Ph.D. and PostDoc positions in the group Application-oriented Formal Verification. The group is part of the Institute of Information Security and Dependability (KASTEL) and the KIT Department of Informatics, one of the leading Computer Science Departments in Germany.

About the projects

The available positions are part of two vibrant research fields for which projects were recently initiated at KIT:

DFG CRC 1608: Convide – Consistency in the View-Based Development of Cyber-Physical Systems

The DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center Convide addresses the challenges of successfully designing sophisticated and complex Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). The Center focuses on achieving consistency between different views in CPS design, such as configurability, functionality, dependability, and cost-effectiveness. Within the Center, we will develop a comprehensive understanding of view consistency, investigate mechanisms to detect and resolve consistency violations, and extend software engineering approaches to non-software views of CPS.

As a PhD or postdoctoral researcher in this area, you will investigate the application of formal methods to establish, exploit, and recover consistency in domain-spanning models within Model-Driven Development. Your research will involve exploring formal foundations, developing innovative techniques to address consistency-related challenges, and addressing tasks such as repairing consistency, re-establishing consistency, and exploiting consistency.

Helmholtz Pilot Programme: KiKIT – Kerninformatik @ KIT

The Helmholtz Association has recently established a pilot programme at KIT aiming to bring core informatics research, i.e., research on generic (yet application-oriented) methods of informatics into the focus of Helmholtz research. As the research university in the Helmholtz Association with a large and leading informatics department, KIT is uniquely well-positioned for pursuing this goal.

In this research line, we explore how formal refinement approaches empower us to tackle the complexity of sophisticated models in a modular and collaborative manner. By leveraging different formal techniques and abstractions, we aim to integrate diverse approaches for improved verification results and the development of more dependable systems, with a particular focus on cyber-physical systems (CPS).

Your profile:

We are seeking PhD candidates with the following qualifications:

• a very good master's degree (MSc) in Computer Science or a related field. The degree should demonstrate a strong academic foundation,
• a strong background in formal methods, with expertise in areas such as for instance formal specification and modelling, program verification, refinement methods, logic and deduction, or formal methods in software engineering,
• ideally a background in software engineering and/or algorithm engineering,
• a strong commitment to research: independent work ethic and a passion for working independently and in teams on challenging research questions,
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal,
• proficiency in English, German language skills are an advantage.

Exceptionally qualified bachelor students from 4 year programmes may apply.

We are welcoming postdoctoral researchers with the following qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field: A doctoral degree in computer science, software engineering, systems engineering, or a related discipline,
• a strong background in formal methods, with expertise and research experience in areas such as for instance formal specification and modelling, program verification, refinement methods, logic and deduction, or formal methods in software engineering,
• a strong research and publication track record in the fields of formal methods, software engineering or algorithm engineering or a related field,
• a strong commitment to research: independent work ethic and a proven ability for working independently and in teams on challenging research questions,
• Project Management and Leadership Skills: Experience in managing research projects, coordinating research activities, and mentoring junior researchers or students is of advantage,
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal,
• proficiency in English, German language skills are an advantage.

Positions

• Full-time employee positions at KIT (TV-L E13), offering a competitive salary starting at approximately 4200-4800 €/month (before taxes).
• An excellent working environment within a vibrant and internationally recognized research group.
• Initial contracts are limited to two years, with options to extend (up to at most six years).

You benefit from a position here:

• Graduate school within the CRC Convide
• Access to a network of leading scientists, computer scientists, and engineers.
• Opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams working on complex software-intensive technical systems.
• Varied job responsibilities and ample opportunities for further training and professional development.
• Flexible working time models to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• Subsidy for the BW job ticket and access to on-site casino/cafeteria facilities.

Application Process

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Beckert <beckert@kit.edu>
Dr. Mattias Ulbrich <ulbrich@kit.edu>

If you require further information, contact us. To apply, please send your application documents as a single PDF file, including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, references, thesis, list of publications (if applicable), academic transcripts etc.

We strongly encourage applications from women to ensure balanced representation in our team. Equally qualified applicants with recognized severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration.

Join us in shaping the future of formal verification and model-driven development. Take this opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and make a meaningful impact on the development of sustainable technical products.

Apply now and be part of a dynamic research environment at KIT!