PhD student in Computer Science

Mälardalen University in Västerås, is an expansive university with a strong focus on engineering, and the School of Innovation, Design and Engineering is a research intensive enviroment with strong focus on Embedded systems, Real-time systems and Software Engineering.
IDT is offering a PhD student position in the area of complex embedded real-time systems. The PhD student position is starting in fall 2009.

Most embedded systems have timing constraints. In order to verify that these constraints are met, the Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) must be estimated for program code executing in the system. Today, the practice is to estimate the WCET by testing. For safety-critical systems, it is important that the estimates are safe, i.e., not less than the real WCET: testing is then not suitable since there is a risk that the "bad cases" are missed. Static WCET Analysis is a better alternative: such an analysis provides a WCET estimate from mathematical models of the code, and the underlying hardware, and the estimate is safe provided the models are correct. Today, static WCET analysis methods exist for sequential program running on conventional processors.

Project
We now see a fast shift to multicore processors, where each chip has several processor cores running in parallel. To enable the use of these processors in time-critical systems, static WCET analysis methods must be developed for them. In particular, analysis methods for explicitly parallel programs are needed. Such programs consist of a number of tightly coupled threads, or processes, which run in parallel on different cores and typically will synchronize or communicate frequently. In the project, theories and methods for such analyses will be developed. The focus will be on software aspects, such as the influence of syncronization and communication on the execution of the threads, rather than hardware effects.

Eligibility
Only one that can enroll or already is enrolled for PhD studies at a university can be employed at a PhD position. The demands for being qualified for PhD studies is to have at least four years of university studies, corresponding to a bachelor degree or a master degree depending on conditions in different countries.

To obtain the position, admittance as graduate student is required. The general requirements for being admitted as graduate student in Computer Science and Engineering at MDH are a Master's degree with a major in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Students with corresponding qualifications, for instance from similar programs at other universities, may also be admitted.

Special Requirements
For this position applicants should have good knowledge in Computer Science, real-time sy

An application prepared in English should contain:

1. Short CV: data about yourself including date of birth, sex, address, e-mail address if possible.
2).Copy of an official document giving grades from you undergraduate degree(s) or studies.
3. A description of:
a) an area of interest within your chosen subject(s) and maybe plans for research if any;
b) previous work and teaching experience if any;
c) previous PhD studies, also in other subjects.
4. If possible, some letters of recommendation from people who know you as a student or as an employee.
5. Any scientific papers you may have written (Master s thesis, project report etc).
6. Other relevant information


To apply, please send your application to the following address:
Registrator, Personnel Division
Mälardalen University
Box 883,
SE-721 23 Västerås
Sweden