Call for PhD student for Large Language Models-based Testing of Cyber-Physical Systems

Key Skills

Cyber Security, Effective communication skills, English Proficiency, Large Language Models - LLMs, Machine learning techniques

Job Description

What you will do

Simula Research Laboratory (https://www.simula.no/) is seeking one three-year Ph.D. researcher position in the field of using Large Language Models (LLMs) for Collective-Adaptive Testing of Coevolving Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems.

This Ph.D. position is originally a three-year’s research position. Simula will, for each PhD position, consider proposing 25% time (i.o.w a fourth year) of compulsory work to the original three years of research. Whether this specific contract will be 3 or 4 years will be evaluated depending on the availability of appropriate work tasks and each candidate’s individual skill set and aspiration.

The appointment starts as soon as possible. The review of candidates will be performed continuously until the position has been filled.

Project Description

The Research Council of Norway funds the position under the basic research program FRIPO. Cyber-Physical Systems exhibit unpredictable behaviors due to their coevolution, employed machine learning techniques, collective behaviors, and operation in uncertain environments and unreliable communication networks. Consequently, testing these systems is extremely challenging. The project aims to address this challenge by developing novel collective-adaptive testing strategies using state-of-the-art LLM models to automate testing.

About Simula

Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research laboratory located in Oslo, Norway. Simula has a multi-cultural organization, employing about 200 individuals from 35 countries. Simula’s mission is to solve important and fundamental problems of science and engineering, with the main goal of benefiting and advancing society. We focus on performing excellent research within five select research areas (scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cybersecurity), developing and supporting our researchers, students and staff, and spinning out applicable results into profitable startups.

Candidate profile

We consider interested candidates who have a MS degree in software engineering with top grades. The candidate will also have to demonstrate an excellent level of spoken and written English, possess good interpersonal and communication skills and show willingness to work as part of an international team. For this PhD position the candidate will be enrolled in a doctoral programme at Oslo Metropolitan University.

The master’s degree must have been awarded, with good results, before their start in the PhD position – in particular the candidate must satisfy the admission requirements. These requirements include:

• C or better average for Bachelor’s degree, B or better for Master's degree and Master's thesis (in the Norwegian grading system)
• Proof of English language proficiency

Simula offers:

• An excellent environment and outstanding opportunities for performing high quality research as part of a highly competent, motivated and enthusiastic team of researchers and engineers.
• An informal and inclusive international working environment
• Brand new office facilities located in the heart of Oslo with an extensive public transport network within a few minutes walk and a vibrant city life right outside the office door steps. 
• A competitive salary, with a starting range of NOK 532.200 
• Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks, through established collaborations with industry, exchange programs and research visits with other universities, and funding to attend conferences.
• Numerous other benefits: access to company cabins, BabyBonus arrangements, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals and comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, etc.
• Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc.
• Administrative research support: e.g., quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU programs).
• Wellness and work-life balance. Our employees’ health and well-being is a priority and we encourage them to make use of Simula’s flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently.

Simula is an equal opportunity employer, and women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants are must submit the following:

• A cover letter explaining the candidate’s background, qualifications, research interests and how/why the candidate is qualified for the position;
• Curriculum vitae (summarizing education, positions and academic or industrial work, scientific publications, and software development experience);
• Academic transcripts including a copy of Master thesis.
• Contact information of two references, including the Master supervisor(s).

Application deadline: November 30, 2023.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, until the position has been filled.

Contact

Further enquiries should be addressed to Shaukat Ali (shaukat@simula.no). Applications must be submitted via the online submission system.

Simula Research Laboratory uses Semac´s background check in our recruitment process.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested.