[Apologies for multiple copies.]

We hereby solicit applications for PhD studentships and postdoctoral research positions in the area of verifying probabilistic programs. The positions are all available within the Chair on Software Modelling and Verification at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany, which is led by Joost-Pieter Katoen, see:

https://moves.rwth-aachen.de

The positions are funded by the recently acquired ERC Advanced Grant

"Formal Reasoning about Probabilistic Programs (FRAPPANT)".

*** What is this project all about? *** Probabilistic programs describe recipes on how to infer statistical conclusions about data from a complex mixture of uncertain data and real-world observations. They can represent probabilistic graphical models beyond the capabilities of Bayesian networks and are expected to have a major impact on machine intelligence.

The FRAPPANT project aims to develop formal program analysis techniques, leveraging model checking, deductive verification, and static analysis for probabilistic programs. Challenging problems such as checking program equivalence, loop-invariant and parameter synthesis, program repair, program robustness and exact Bayesian inference using weakest precondition reasoning will be tackled. The developed techniques will be evaluated in the context of probabilistic graphical models, randomised algorithms, and autonomous robots.

*** Your required profile *** Applicants for a PhD position have (or soon obtain) a master degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or related area and have completed their studies with excellent grades. Applicants for a postdoctoral researcher position have in addition completed a PhD in one of the aforementioned areas and have a good publication track record. Candidates should have an interest in performing original, highly competitive scientific research within a research group, publishing your results in top conferences and scientific journals. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is helpful but not compulsory.

*** What do we offer? *** We offer a stimulating international research environment, the possibility to participate in highly competitive and interdisciplinary research and the opportunity to involve students in your research through project work. Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers have a status as employee with a salary according to the German federal employee scale TV-L E13 or E14 depending on your experience; the exact salary is subject to your family situation.

The positions are funded for two years with a possible extension of another two years. The positions are available from November 1, 2018, but there is flexibility w.r.t. the starting date. RWTH Aachen University offers excellent facilities for professional and personal development.

*** How to apply? *** Your application should contain: a curriculum vitae, a transcript of records (list of courses and grades), and two references. Please send your application as a single pdf-file ultimately by ** June 22, 2018 (AoE) ** to: katoen@cs.rwth-aachen.de.

Enquiries can be send to Joost-Pieter Katoen (e-mail: katoen@cs.rwth-aachen.de).

RWTH Aachen University is certified as a “Family-Friendly University”. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled persons and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appointments will be made on merit.