[agents] PhD and postdoc positions in formal methods for multi-agent systems (logic, category theory, grid computing)

[Thomas Ågotnes]

Bergen University College, Faculty of Engineering, has 1-3 open
positions for PhD students/research fellows (3-4 years) and 1-2 open
positions for postdoctoral researchers (2-3 years) in computer
science/informatics, as a part of the research project Formal
Modelling and Verification of Grid Systems (FORMGRID), funded by the
Research Council of Norway.

Deadline: 28 November 2009.

The researchers will be associated with the Department of Computer
Engineering. The department is responsible for the bachelor programmes
in computer engineering and information technology, as well as a
masters programme in software development in collaboration with the
Department of Informatics, University of Bergen.

Grid systems enable networks of loosely coupled computers to be used
as a single "virtual" computer, in order to solve problems which are
computationally hard and/or require large storage capacities. Grid
systems are complex systems, and it is not necessarily obvious whether
or not a given system will behave in a correct and reliable
manner. Methods, models, tools and technologies for verifying that a
grid system has desired properties are therefore needed.

The goal of the FORMGRID project, scheduled to start late 2009, is to
develop theories, techniques and tools for designing and analysing
grid computing systems based on formal methods. In particular, the
focus will be on:

- diagrammatic models of (aspects of) grid systems based on category
  theory, and
- formal verification of (aspects of) grid systems based on model
  checking of modal multi-agent logics.

The FORMGRID project forms a part of Bergen University College's
strategic research programme DISTECH - Software Technologies for
Distributed Systems. The programme currently involves 8 permanent
professors and associate professors and several PhD and master
students.


* Qualifications and requirements : PhD positions*

A successful applicant must have earned a master's degree, or
equivalent, in computer science/informatics, or in a similar field
with a master's thesis on a relevant subject, or have submitted a
master's thesis before the application deadline. It is required that
the master's degree is awarded within 4 weeks after the application
deadline. A background in formal logic, model checking, multi-agent
systems, grid computing, and/or category theory will be considered a
significant advantage when candidates are ranked. In addition to the
required educational background, the following criteria will be
evaluated: competence, quality of the master's thesis, publications,
research and teaching experience, practical software development
skills and experience. A submitted outline of a proposed research plan
for the PhD project will also be taken into account, but is not
required.

The position is for three or four years. Depending on the background
and qualifications of the candidate, a four year position may be
offered including 25 % of the time spent on duties such as teaching,
development or administrative tasks. The employment period may be
reduced if the successful applicant has held previous employment as a
research fellow. The PhD student must enrol in an approved PhD
programme. Bergen University College does not award PhD degrees, but
will together with a degree awarding institution develop a detailed
plan for the PhD studies. The degree awarding institution will be
chosen by Bergen University College, and has on previous similar
occasions been the University of Bergen. The successful candidate must
have sufficient qualifications to be accepted into the PhD programme
of the awarding institution. The PhD student will be assigned an
academic supervisor at Bergen University College, who will assist the
candidate with the application for PhD enrolment at the awarding
institution.


* Qualifications and requirements : postdoc positions*

A successful applicant must have earned a PhD degree, or equivalent,
in computer science/informatics, or in a similar field with a thesis
on a relevant subject. Applicants must have achieved a Norwegian
doctorate or equivalent PhD education abroad, or have presented the
dissertation for assessment by the closing date for applications. A
background in formal logic, model checking, multi-agent systems, grid
computing, category theory, and/or algorithms, combined with practical
software development skills and experience, will be considered a
significant advantage when candidates are ranked. In addition to the
required educational background, the following criteria will be
evaluated: competence, quality of the PhD thesis, publications,
research and teaching experience.


* Application procedure *

Apply electronically by using the following links (use the "send
application" link on the bottom of the page):

For the PhD student positions:
  http://hib.easycruit.com/vacancy/347903/41311
For the postdoc positions:
  http://hib.easycruit.com/vacancy/348002/41311

In addition, paper copies of a written application, CV, diplomas,
transcripts, publications and a publication list must be submitted in
three complete sets within a week after the deadline. The applicant is
responsible for ensuring that the submitted sets are complete. The
papers will be returned when the case is closed. Send all documents
to: Høgskolen i Bergen, Seksjon for personal- og
organisasjonsutvikling, Postboks 7030, 5020 Bergen, Norway.

Applicants for the position will be evaluated by a committee
consisting of three members.


* Employment and salary *

Employment for the PhD student positions will be for 3 or-4 years
depending on the candidate as explained above. Salary for the PhD
position will be offered according to code 1017 (stipendiat) in the
Norwegian State Salary Scheme gross NOK 355 600 to NOK 387 500 per
year. PhD students are normally remunerated at salary level 45. The
postdoc positions will be offered for 2-3 years dependent on the
qualifications of the candidate. Salary will be offered according to
code 1352 (postdoktor) in the Norwegian State Salary Scheme gross NOK
438 700 to NOK 499 700 per year.

There is a compulsory 2 % deduction to the pension fund. Successful
candidates are obliged to comply with general directives for this
position at any time.

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Women and applicants with minority background are encouraged to apply
in accordance with Bergen University College's Policy for Equal
Opportunities.

Contact: Associate professor Thomas Ågotnes, tag at hib.no