Postdoctoral Research Associate

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

The above full-time post of Postdoctoral Research Associate in Formal Methods for Business-Process-Driven Systems is available immediately, on a fixed term basis. This post is offered for an initial duration of 17 months (phase1), a further 18 months (phase 2) is reliant on successful implementation of phase 1 and additional funds being awarded.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home. The role also offers flexible work hours.

The post

The Security and Trust of Advanced Systems Group of the Computer Science Department of the University of Exeter wishes to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate so support the work of Professor Achim D. Brucker.

The successful candidate will apply formal methods (e.g., model checking, SMT solving, interactive theorem proving) to analyse business-process-driven (enterprise) systems (e.g., business logic and workflows described a BPMN models). A particular focus is the analysis of complex compositions of workflows within one organisation as well as across multiple organisation. The PDRA will develop novel techniques to detect faults and vulnerabilities (from both outsider and insider attackers) in complex business-process-driven systems, contributing to protecting critical workflows such as  manufacturing, infrastructure, or logistics. In such environments, attackers can exploit such faults and vulnerabilities to cause all kinds of harm such as direct financial losses or causing the production of safety or security critical products to stop. Overall, the project aims to develop automated techniques for assessing the risk of business process or workflows as well as finding and mitigating such attacks.

This position is part of an US funded, collaborative research project, providing the opportunity to collaborate with partners in the USA and attending project meetings in the USA.

About you

The successful applicant will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or an equivalent qualification/experience in computer science. They will be able to demonstrate good knowledge of the broader area of formal methods. This might include a background in formal specification languages (e.g., Alloy, TLA, Z, B); computational logic (e.g., HOL); model checking (e.g., NuSMV, PRISM, SPIN), SAT or SMT solvers (e.g., CVC5, Z3); verification tools (KeY, SPARK), or interactive theorem provers (e.g., Coq, Agda, Lean, Isabelle). Applicants will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, and communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• You will join a team that is enthusiastic about using and extending formal-methods tools, and that will support your in deepening and broaden your formal methods skill.
• You will join an internationally well connected research group that will support you in pursuing your career goals.
• A strong support network for Early Career Researchers.
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities released by Shanghai Rankings).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than percent of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We are using the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.  Our shared purpose and vision continually moves us forward to make a difference to our people, our communities, our partners and the world around us.  Read about our world leading research on Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Achim Brucker, e-mail [email protected] .