Verifying Interoperability Requirements in Pervasive Systems

We invite applications for a funded PhD student to work on the EPSRC-funded project "Verifying Interoperability Requirements in Pervasive Systems", which is a collaborative project between the Universities of Birmingham, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Aim

The aim of the project is to develop techniques for verifying security and performance properties of pervasive systems. The success of pervasive computing depends crucially on the ability to build, maintain and augment interoperable systems. Our approach to verifying these properties is to leverage the power of established techniques, notably model checking, deduction and abstraction, and process calculi.

One of the case studies in the project concerns trusted computing, which is the idea that mobile platforms have protected capabilities that can be relied on by remote parties. The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is an example of technology supporting this concept, as is Intel's Trusted Execution Technology (TXT).

Candidate

The successful candidate is expected to have a good first degree and/or Master degree in Computer Science or a related area. S/he must have outstanding logical and analytical skills. Good communication (both oral and written) skills, people skills, the ability to work independently as well as a team member and the ability to take the initiative and be proactive are essential. Experience with protocols, cryptography, verification, logic, and/or in the use of specification languages is desirable.  Applicants interested in the trusted computing case study are particularly welcome. Candidates should also have practical experience of computing.

Funding

The PhD studentship includes funding for living expenses (£12,600 per year for three years) and for payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate (£3,300 per year).  Unfortunately, it does not cover fees at the Overseas rate (£12,250 per year). In the case of an outstanding overseas student, we will try to fund the difference from other sources.

Applicants are asked to apply using two methods.

1. Applicants are invited to send the following information to Dr Mark Ryan (M.D.Ryan at cs.bham.ac.uk):
   • Your CV
   • A statement of your research interests in relation to the project.  The statement is expected to be up to two pages long, and should explain your thoughts about the project and the contribution you could make.
     
   • Some evidence of mathematical and computational thinking skills. We invite you to complete three or more of the exercises mentioned below.
     
     
   The closing date for this stage is 30 October 2009 but it is helpful if you send me email before then to inform me that you are interested to apply. There will be interviews (in person or by telephone) on (approx.) 1 November and and a selection will be made by (approx.) 10 November 2009.
   
   
2. Applicants are also asked to complete the University formalities about applying for a PhD place. This can be done before, during, or after sending the materials mentioned above.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Mark Ryan (M.D.Ryan at cs.bham.ac.uk), Dr Eike Ritter (E.Ritter at cs.bham.ac.uk), or Dr Myrto Arapinis (M.D.Arapinis at cs.bham.ac.uk).

1. A document outlining the project and the PhD student position.
2. Some exercises you can complete to demonstrate that you have the right mathematical and computational thinking skills.