PhD Candidate in Computer Science University of Amsterdam, Institute of Informatics

The System and Network Engineering (SNE) Lab is one of the three largest research labs at the Informatics Institute (IvI) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), which has consistently been ranked among the top 100 computer science departments in the world by various international university rankings. The SNE lab conducts research on leading-edge computer systems of all scales, ranging from global-scale systems and networks to embedded devices. Across these multiple scales our particular interest is on extra-functional properties of computer systems, such as performance, energy consumption, reliability, programmability, productivity, trustability, and security. The SNE lab has partnerships with industry to explore the theoretical and practical challenges in the run-time control and optimization of real-world complex systems in which (networked) computers play a central role. The Dutch Technology Foundation STW funded iDAPT project will explore how to analyze, predict, steer and optimize the extra-functional properties of applications in such networked computer systems while they are running, together with our partner ASML, the market leader in chip manufacturing lithography machines. The SNE Lab and ASML are looking for a PhD candidate interested in participating in this research. Project description The research will focus on run-time monitoring, analyzing, simulating and steering the extra-functional behavior (EFB) of complex, networked real-time computer systems. EFB is a general term that encompasses all behavior of a computer system not primarily encoded in the source code of its software, like performance, throughput, fault rates, total memory usage, disk I/O, etc. The proposed approach is to model and simulate the system at a high level of abstraction, and perform run-time monitoring in the context of the dozens of computers and hundreds of software processes of the ASML’s machines. These abstract simulation system models will need to be made ‘auto-calibrating’ (i.e., they are calibrated at run time) and should allow for predicting – using e.g. machine-learning techniques – how the EFB will evolve over time. Usage of operating-system based countermeasures to control the EFB according to requirements of the system is expected. The proposed methodology will provide a breakthrough in EFB management of complex applications in networked computer systems. Three researchers will support this project, including the position corresponding to the present opening. The PhD candidate is expected to: perform research in the scope of the iDAPT project; complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years; collaborate with other SNE researchers as well as with people from our project partner, ASML; regularly present intermediate research results at international conferences and workshops, and publish them in proceedings and journals; assist in relevant teaching activities. Requirements The candidate: has a MSc. in computer science or computer engineering; has preferably some prior expertise in one or more of the following fields: system software and software engineering, modeling and/or simulation, performance analysis, concurrent programming; should be open to industrial cooperation and should be comfortable with working at ASML in Veldhoven for one day per week (dependent on the project phase); is fluent in oral and written English; is expected to have good programming skills, and is able to deliver reusable, self-contained, well-documented software. Further information Further information may be obtained from: Dr. Andy D. Pimentel T: +31 20 525 7578 Appointment The temporary appointment will be full-time (38 hours a week) for a period of four years (initial employment is 18 months). Periodic evaluations will be held after 9 and 14 months, and upon positive evaluation, the appointment will be extended to a total of 48 months. The appointment must lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan that includes attendance of courses, summer and/or winter schools, and national and international meetings will be drafted for the PhD candidate. The PhD candidate is also expected to assist in teaching of undergraduate students. The salary is in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel. The salary will range from €2,191 (first year) up to a maximum of €2,801 (last year) before tax per month (scale P) based on a full-time appointment. There are also secondary benefits, such as 8% holiday allowance per year and the end of year allowance of 8.3%. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. Some of the things we have to offer: competitive pay and excellent benefits; very friendly, interactive and international working environment; new building located near the city center (10 minutes by bicycle) of one of Europe's most beautiful and lively cities; access to high-end computing facilities (e.g., cluster with 4,000+ cores). Job application Applications should include: a letter of motivation; a curriculum vitae an MSc diploma with transcripts (courses + grades), and the names and contact information of two academic references. Applications may only be submitted by sending your application to application-science@uva.nl. To process your application immediately, please quote vacancy number:16-581 and the position and the project you are applying for in the subject-line. The selection process will consist of multiple rounds, during which (selected) candidates may also be asked to complete a programming challenge. The selection process commences immediately and continues until a suitable candidate is found. The committee does not guarantee that late or incomplete applications will be considered. You may submit your applications until 15 February 2017. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Computeroxy Apply

The System and Network Engineering (SNE) Lab is one of the three largest research labs at the Informatics Institute (IvI) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), which has consistently been ranked among the top 100 computer science departments in the world by various international university rankings. The SNE lab conducts research on leading-edge computer systems of all scales, ranging from global-scale systems and networks to embedded devices. Across these multiple scales our particular interest is on extra-functional properties of computer systems, such as performance, energy consumption, reliability, programmability, productivity, trustability, and security.

The SNE lab has partnerships with industry to explore the theoretical and practical challenges in the run-time control and optimization of real-world complex systems in which (networked) computers play a central role. The Dutch Technology Foundation STW funded iDAPT project will explore how to analyze, predict, steer and optimize the extra-functional properties of applications in such networked computer systems while they are running, together with our partner ASML, the market leader in chip manufacturing lithography machines.

The SNE Lab and ASML are looking for a PhD candidate interested in participating in this research.

Project description

The research will focus on run-time monitoring, analyzing, simulating and steering the extra-functional behavior (EFB) of complex, networked real-time computer systems. EFB is a general term that encompasses all behavior of a computer system not primarily encoded in the source code of its software, like performance, throughput, fault rates, total memory usage, disk I/O, etc. The proposed approach is to model and simulate the system at a high level of abstraction, and perform run-time monitoring in the context of the dozens of computers and hundreds of software processes of the ASML’s machines. These abstract simulation system models will need to be made ‘auto-calibrating’ (i.e., they are calibrated at run time) and should allow for predicting – using e.g. machine-learning techniques – how the EFB will evolve over time. Usage of operating-system based countermeasures to control the EFB according to requirements of the system is expected. The proposed methodology will provide a breakthrough in EFB management of complex applications in networked computer systems.

Three researchers will support this project, including the position corresponding to the present opening.

The PhD candidate is expected to:

perform research in the scope of the iDAPT project;
complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
collaborate with other SNE researchers as well as with people from our project partner, ASML;
regularly present intermediate research results at international conferences and workshops, and publish them in proceedings and journals;
assist in relevant teaching activities.

Requirements

The candidate:

has a MSc. in computer science or computer engineering;
has preferably some prior expertise in one or more of the following fields: system software and software engineering, modeling and/or simulation, performance analysis, concurrent programming;
should be open to industrial cooperation and should be comfortable with working at ASML in Veldhoven for one day per week (dependent on the project phase);
is fluent in oral and written English;
is expected to have good programming skills, and is able to deliver reusable, self-contained, well-documented software.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from:

Dr. Andy D. Pimentel
T: +31 20 525 7578

Appointment

The temporary appointment will be full-time (38 hours a week) for a period of four years (initial employment is 18 months). Periodic evaluations will be held after 9 and 14 months, and upon positive evaluation, the appointment will be extended to a total of 48 months. The appointment must lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan that includes attendance of courses, summer and/or winter schools, and national and international meetings will be drafted for the PhD candidate. The PhD candidate is also expected to assist in teaching of undergraduate students.

The salary is in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel. The salary will range from €2,191 (first year) up to a maximum of €2,801 (last year) before tax per month (scale P) based on a full-time appointment. There are also secondary benefits, such as 8% holiday allowance per year and the end of year allowance of 8.3%. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable.

Some of the things we have to offer:

competitive pay and excellent benefits;
very friendly, interactive and international working environment;
new building located near the city center (10 minutes by bicycle) of one of Europe's most beautiful and lively cities;
access to high-end computing facilities (e.g., cluster with 4,000+ cores).

Job application

Applications should include:

a letter of motivation;
a curriculum vitae
an MSc diploma with transcripts (courses + grades),
and the names and contact information of two academic references.

Applications may only be submitted by sending your application to application-science@uva.nl. To process your application immediately, please quote vacancy number:16-581 and the position and the project you are applying for in the subject-line.

The selection process will consist of multiple rounds, during which (selected) candidates may also be asked to complete a programming challenge.

The selection process commences immediately and continues until a suitable candidate is found.

The committee does not guarantee that late or incomplete applications will be considered.

You may submit your applications until 15 February 2017.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Computeroxy

Apply