PhD Scholarship in Computer Science
Modular AI Verification and Visualisation (MAIVV)
(Duration: 48 Months, Funding: Eur 102,000)
Start date from September 2022
POSITION CLOSED

We are seeking a research student to work on techniques for the formal software development of AI-based systems as part of the MAIVV project. The sucessful candidate will collaborate with researchers at Maynooth to produce scalable techniques for software development that guarantee software dependability when deep learning techniques are employed by developers. The output of this work will be a methodology which allows us to verify properties of hybrid systems with mixed discrete and continuous dynamics, and associated software tooling to integrate this with existing verification frameworks. A case study of a hybrid cyber-physical system will demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.

The successful candidate will:

• Work under the supervision of Dr Rosemary Monahan and Professor Barak A. Pearlmutter in the Dept. of Computer Science and Hamilton Institute at Maynooth University.
• Actively assisting and contributing to the writing of reports and academic papers for publication and wider research dissemination.
• Evaluate existing modelling tools used in software development when deep learning techniques are used.
• Evaluate existing techniques for the formal software development of AI-based systems.
• Develop a case study which demonstrates Event-B specification and verification of a cyber-physical system.
• Extend this case study to include specification and verification when deep learning is employed.
• Develop techniques and tools to verify safety properties of hybrid systems using languages such as Probabilistic Event-B.
• Deploy these techniques on the developed case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A first class honours or a high second class honours degree in Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of software validation and verification tools and techniques (such as formal model development, model checking, or runtime verification)
• The ability and eagerness to work effectively as part of a team
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet project deliverables.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Funding:

This 4-year research position is funded for up to 48 months, depending on start date. Funding is available as follows:

• Stipend Eur 18,500 p.a.
• Fees Eur 5,500 p.a.
• Expenses Eur 6000 towards travel and equipment

Application process:

Applications are invited from those who have achieved a first class honours or a second class honours degree in Computer Science or a related discipline. Applications and queries should be emailed to Rosemary.Monahan@mu.ie to include:

• Your CV (include your name, education institution, qualification stating overall grade/percentage, predicted grades are acceptable for those still awaiting a result).
• A statement of motivation describing why you are motivated to work on this research project e.g., your research and scientific interests and your relevant technical experience.
• Contact details of 2 referees.
• Copy of transcripts and degree award (if awarded)
• For international applicants, please attach your English language proficiency certificate. The minimum English language requirements are as follows:
  • IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
  • TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
  • TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
  • PTE (Pearson): 62