This project will combine and extend simulation-based techniques (statistical model checking) and hybrid systems decision procedures to enable verification of complex, realistic cyber-physical systems. In particular, we will develop a concolic (combined concrete and symbolic) testing framework to complement and extend the strengths of the statistical and numerical techniques, leading to new approaches for verifying cyber-physical systems.

This project is a collaboration effort between Carnegie Mellon University, Newcastle University, and Smart Information Flow Technologies. The Principal Investigator is Prof Edmund M. Clarke (Carnegie Mellon). The project investigator at Newcastle is Dr Paolo Zuliani.

Value of the Award
The award will cover stipend and tuition fees at UK/EU or international level. The stipend is £14,790 (2012/13) per year.

Person Specification
You should have either a First class honours degree in Computing Science, Mathematics, or other relevant science or engineering subject, or a or 2.1 in Computing Science, Mathematics or other relevant science or engineering subject and a distinction level Masters degree in a related subject. You should have familiarity with automated verification techniques and tools such as model checking, SAT/SMT solvers, abstract interpretation, etc.

How to Apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form inserting the reference CS040 and selecting ‘PhD Computer Science’, with programme code 8050F, as the programme of study. Mandatory fields need to be completed and a covering letter, CV and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, the reference number CS040 and describe how you satisfy the Person Specification requirements (max. 2 pages). If you already have published research papers a list of bibliographic details should be included in the covering letter.

You should also send your covering letter and CV by e-mail to Dr Zuliani at paolo.zuliani@ncl.ac.uk and the Postgraduate Secretary at cs.pg@ncl.ac.uk

Name of Supervisor: Dr. Paolo Zuliani
Sponsor: School of Computing Science
Duration of the Award: 3 years
Closing Date: 31st May 2013

Further Information
For further details, please contact Dr. Paolo Zuliani (Lecturer)
E-mail: paolo.zuliani@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: 0191 222 8064
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/zupaolo/

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Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the above information is current and correct. However, applicants should contact the appropriate administering body before making an application, as details do change frequently.