Within the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), the Department of Software Technology (ST) comprises the EEMCS faculty research groups working on core computer science and engineering topics. The department is responsible for a large part of the curriculum of the BSc and MSc programmes in Computer Science as well as the MSc programme in Embedded Systems. The department’s research mission is to perform excellent research at an internationally-recognised level in the design, construction and analysis of complex, concurrent and cooperative computer and information systems. Inspiration for the research topics is derived largely from technical ICT problems in industry and society. The Department moved into new office and lab space in 2018.

The Software Engineering Research Group (SERG) is part of the department of ST and a member of the research school IPA. The group employs approximately 30 people, comprising full, associate, and assistant professors, postdocs, and PhD students. The main research areas for the group include but are not limited to software analytics, software testing, software quality and maintenance, software evolution and search-based software engineering. The involved researchers have developed numerous techniques to make it easier for software developers to (1) understand, (2) maintain and (3) test existing software systems. More information about the group can be found here: https://se.ewi.tudelft.nl

SERG has recently acquired a NWO Vici grant called TestShift. The Vici grant is the most prestigious personal research grant from the Dutch Science Foundation NWO and will reinforce the software testing research line at Delft University of Technology.

For this project we are seeking a software engineering post-doc interested in continuing his/her/their training in the broad area of software testing. The prospective post-doc will work in a highly international context and is expected to do high-quality research: coming up with creative solutions, working diligently to iron out all details and getting a deeper understanding, interacting with peers around the world, but also interacting with practitioners from both the open source and industrial domain to evaluate your research.

With software failures costing the economy USD 1.7 billion in 2017 alone, the goal of TestShift is to understand and radically change how software engineers consider their testing activities. Firstly, we want to understand their considerations, the trade-offs they make when deciding (not) to test (anymore). This complex matter is likely not the decision of an individual, but rather originating from a set of complex socio-technical circumstances. Secondly, with the help of very specialised test analytics TestShift aims to inform developers and development teams of their testing efforts and indicate potential shortfalls, with the aim of steering software developing organisations to test more effectively and efficiently. Thirdly, how can we make it as easy as possible to let developers write tests. Can we rely on mechanisms for automatically generating test cases, or do these need to be constructed in conjunction with expert knowledge from developers?

TestShift is rooted in empirical software engineering and the candidate will construct prototype tools, that are to be evaluated by prospective users, i.e., software engineers and software testers.

Located in a charming college town, TU Delft is the largest and oldest public technological university in the Netherlands. The university is regularly ranked among the most highly-rated worldwide for engineering and technology. Information about academic careers in the Netherlands and working at TU Delft can be found at www.factcards.nl and www.tudelft.nl/en/about-tu-delft/working-at-tu-delft/coming-to-the-netherlands-tu-delft/. 

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science
• A strong interest in software testing, empirical research, and/or socio-technical factors
• Strong programming and software engineering skills. Good knowledge of software testing is a definite plus.
• Good communication and presentation skills in English
• Ability to work in an international team
• A healthy dose of creativeness

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.