[TYPES/announce] (Senior) Research Associate in Static Analysis and Programming Language Tools at the University of Cambridge

[Dominic Orchard]

Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Static Analysis and
Programming Language Tools at the University of Cambridge

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/51153/__;!!IBzWLUs!WDo2pjcczMcaFYRsDjIZtsnSDi8qewjIwfIxkdeILYbqsEYQw-OfhCm_4oIA3fZifMR0GYRdmu5ZeXz0JII7-epbl7R9JpkRrUo$ 

Length: 2 years
Location: University of Cambridge
With: Dominic Orchard (dominic.orchard at cl.cam.ac.uk)
Closing date: 25th May 2025
Salary range: £37,174-£59,139

Programming languages provide an interface for developing increasingly
complex models in science. However, as computer models grow more complex,
it is increasingly difficult to deliver on core requirements such as
verifiability, maintainability, understandability, validity, and
portability. Managing software complexity more effectively has been a focus
of programming language research for many years, yet we see little adoption
of new approaches in the natural sciences.

To address some of these issues, the CamFort suite of tools [1, 2] was
developed to provide lightweight verification tools for scientists,
targeting Fortran (which is used pervasively in the sciences and in
industry). CamFort provides optional advanced type systems (e.g., for
units-of-measure typing), novel partial specifications and accompanying
verifiers, and deductive verification techniques. CamFort is underpinned by
the fortran-src static analysis toolkit for Fortran [3, 4], which provides
parsers for various language standards, core static analyses, and various
models. The fortran-src toolkit has been developed over the years with
collaborators in industry. Both CamFort and fortran-src are open-source,
written in Haskell.

This position will support the development of the next phase of work in
fortran-src/CamFort and provide an opportunity to do research in static
analysis, verification, and/or refactoring. Possible areas of exploration
include investigating (1) static analyses to assess cross-platform
portability and associated refactoring transformation, e.g., to handle
endianness; (2) developing novel analysis to assess properties such as
robustness and sensitivity; (3) developing novel specification systems for
numerical properties of code. There is an expectation that the post will
involve both research and software development. The post will involve
collaboration with industry partners actively using and developing
fortran-src.

This post is based in the Department of Computer Science and Technology at
the University of Cambridge and is also part of the Institute of Computing
for Climate Science, a multi-disciplinary initiative supporting climate
modelling through the latest in computer science, mathematics, software
engineering, and statistics. The institute is a joint venture between the
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), the
Department of Computer Science and Technology (CST, also known as the
Computer Laboratory), and University Information Services (UIS), and
receives funding from a variety of sources. The candidate will join a group
applying programming language-oriented research to support scientific work.

Role Requirements:

* Degree-level education, with a PhD (or nearing completion of) in Computer
Science or equivalent experience;
* Research experience in static analysis and/or compilers and/or
programming language tools;
* Track record of publication;
* Strong skills in functional programming.
* Desirable Characteristics
* Haskell experience or a strong desire to learn Haskell;
* Experience developing practical tools desirable.

Candidates wishing to be judged as Senior candidates should also have:
* A significant amount of experience in research post-PhD;
* Evidence of potential for interdisciplinary collaboration;
* Evidence of potential to obtain additional research funding;
* Experience in leading research projects.

If you have any questions regarding the role or the application process,
please contact Dominic Orchard (dominic.orchard at cl.cam.ac.uk).

[1] https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://camfort.github.io/__;!!IBzWLUs!WDo2pjcczMcaFYRsDjIZtsnSDi8qewjIwfIxkdeILYbqsEYQw-OfhCm_4oIA3fZifMR0GYRdmu5ZeXz0JII7-epbl7R9sD5wPBk$ 
[2] https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://github.com/camfort/camfort__;!!IBzWLUs!WDo2pjcczMcaFYRsDjIZtsnSDi8qewjIwfIxkdeILYbqsEYQw-OfhCm_4oIA3fZifMR0GYRdmu5ZeXz0JII7-epbl7R9bKuqLTk$ 
[3] https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://github.com/camfort/fortran-src/__;!!IBzWLUs!WDo2pjcczMcaFYRsDjIZtsnSDi8qewjIwfIxkdeILYbqsEYQw-OfhCm_4oIA3fZifMR0GYRdmu5ZeXz0JII7-epbl7R96YOjYow$ 
[4] https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://joss.theoj.org/papers/10.21105/joss.07571__;!!IBzWLUs!WDo2pjcczMcaFYRsDjIZtsnSDi8qewjIwfIxkdeILYbqsEYQw-OfhCm_4oIA3fZifMR0GYRdmu5ZeXz0JII7-epbl7R97GdEKLA$ 
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