As a PhD Candidate, you will conduct research into higher-order term rewriting systems with logical constraints. This project brings together two different areas of theoretical computer science: higher-order term rewriting and program analysis, and in particular analysis of functional programming languages.

Term rewriting is a formal system that can be used to specify algorithms. Its simple, rigorous definition makes it very suitable for formal analysis, and as a result, its properties are well studied. Higher-order term rewriting extends standard term rewriting with anonymous functions and binders as in the lambda-calculus, thus providing a highly liberal class of systems.

Term rewriting can be combined with a logical theory and logical constraints; for example, integer numbers and conditions such conditions such as (x > 1) && (y != x).
With this approach, it is possible to model programs in common programming languages; higher-order programming languages in particular offer a natural model to analyse functional programming languages.

In this project, your task will be to develop techniques to analyse properties of higher-order programming languages with logical constraints, and apply these techniques towards program analysis. You can build on several existing approaches, but will have the freedom to define your own direction.

You will be supervised by dr. Cynthia Kop. If you wish to learn more, feel free to send an email to C.Kop@cs.ru.nl .

• You hold an Msc or equivalent degree in computer science, mathematics or a closely related field.
• You are able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• You are proficient in English (Dutch is not required). Prior knowledge of term rewriting is not required.

Fixed-term contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• A maximum gross monthly salary of € 2.972 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale P).
•  the gross starting salary amounts to €2,325 per month, and will increase to €2,972 in the fourth year (p scale).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent and collaboration. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde & Informatica

The position is available in the Software Science group of the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) at Radboud University. Research at iCIS focuses on software science, digital security, and data science. Our research mission is to improve the security and reliability of software systems and algorithms through mathematically based theories, methods and tools. During recent evaluations, iCIS has been consistently ranked as the No. 1 computing science department in the Netherlands. Evaluation committees praised our flat and open organisational structure, our ability to attract external funding, our strong ties to other disciplines, and our solid contacts with government and industrial partners. The Software Science group is well-known for its contributions to the mathematical foundations of software, formal methods and functional programming.

 The Faculty of Science is a complete science faculty where research and education are closely related. The faculty aims to be an academic community with an international character, where staff members from different backgrounds combine their talents with the common goal of being a leading faculty of science in Europe.

Radboud University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities. The university offers customised facilities to better align work and private life. Parents are entitled to partly paid parental leave and RU employees enjoy flexibility in the way they structure their work. The university highly values the career development of its staff, which is facilitated by a variety of programmes.