PhD Studentship : PhD in Machine-Learning Guided Compilation (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a PhD student to work on machine-learning guided and verifiably correct code generation.

Creating optimised libraries is a difficult and time-consuming task, requiring significant manual engineering effort.  This process must be repeated for each new processor to take advantage of additional features, especially when it implements the latest architecture with new instructions or significant new architectural extensions, like Arm's SVE and SME.  However, advances in machine learning point towards a low-cost solution to this task by automating code generation through a series of provably correct steps.  A machine-learning model will guide the search for optimised code sequences, learning the best instructions to use for given intermediate code fragments and alleviating manual engineering effort.

The successful candidate will develop new code-generation strategies using machine-learning models and verification tools, suitable for deployment by library writers within the compilation toolchain, working closely with project partner, Arm.

We seek candidates with a strong background in Computer Science (1st class honours degree or equivalent, although a Master's is particularly desirable) with a particular interest in compilers or binary modification tools and machine learning.  Experience of writing code for a tool such as LLVM or DynamoRIO would be helpful, as would familiarity with working in teams with robust engineering practices (version control, continuous integration, automated testing)..

Non-UK applicants may apply but will be expected to arrange the balance between the home rate and overseas rate fees themselves. Note that this studentship does not include the immigration health surcharge or visa costs.  https://www.ukri.org/our-work/developing-people-and-skills/find-studentships-and-doctoral-training/get-a-studentship-to-fund-your-doctorate/

Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

Please make your application through the University Application Portal:

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cscspdpcs