[TYPES/announce] Postdoctoral position in program analysis and security at the University of Maryland, College Park

[Jeff Foster]

The programming languages group in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park is offering a post doctoral position in language-based security, with an emphasis on static and dynamic analysis.

Description
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The aim of the project is to apply programming language-based techniques to improve the security of modern software.  Our focus is on software running on embedded devices, including Android mobile phones and distributed sensor networks.  While many aspects of security are in play, our core interest is developing novel and expressive protections of resource and data privacy, in particular by employing mechanisms to authorize, minimize, and audit (reason about) the flow of information between an application and its environment.

The work will include both theoretical development and implementation of practical tools.


Requirements
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Applicants to this position must have received their PhD, or completed the requirements for their PhD, when the appointment begins.  A strong background in at least two of the following research areas is desired (the more, the better!):

- Program analysis (with some background in abstract interpretation preferred), including those based on type systems
- Formal methods
- Software security
- Program transformation 

We also expect that applicants to be good programmers, preferably in either Java or Objective Caml, and with some experience building non-trival software.  Some knowledge of Android development or sensor network programming would also be desirable, but is not required.

* Application deadline:  November 15, 2011 for full consideration.  The position will remain open until filled.

* Start date:  January 31, 2012 (at the earliest; negotiable)

* Duration:  1-2 years, depending on funding availability

Interested candidates should send their CV to mwh at cs.umd.edu and jfoster at cs.umd.edu and arrange to have two letters of recommendation emailed to the same addresses.

Additional information
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Questions about this position should be directed to Jeff Foster (jfoster at cs.umd.edu) and Michael Hicks (mwh at cs.umd.edu).  For more information about the Maryland PL group, please visit

http://www.cs.umd.edu/projects/PL/

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.  Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.