Research Assistant/Associate in Verification of Autonomous Systems – Full-time five year fixed-term contract (click here to see the full job advert and to apply ref. 17211)

Based in the Faculty of Engineering hosted by the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, this is an exciting and challenging opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary research team working on a new project entitled “Robust Integrated Verification of Autonomous Systems (RIVERAS)” funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Led by Dr Kerstin Eder, who is an expert in Design Verification, RIVERAS aims to develop techniques and methodologies that can be used to design autonomous intelligent systems that are verifiably trustworthy. This enables engineers to ensure that the strict safety requirement necessary for such systems are met, allowing for a more rapid route to market while at the same time building customer confidence. Target application areas include safety critical systems such as robotic inspections of a nuclear power plant and space explorations e.g. on Mars by a rover or a robotic aircraft, but also the next generation of clever consumer products with embedded intelligence and adaptability e.g. toys, gadgets and household appliances.

Working in close collaboration with Dr Kerstin Eder and the RIVERAS team to address these objectives, you have a PhD in computer science or closely related field and have started to build up a strong publication record. You have a broad knowledge of design verification and experience with both formal and simulation-based verification methodologies as well as state-of-the-art verification tools. You have excellent written and spoken communication skills and an ability to explain and share deep concepts and techniques with colleagues. You will have excellent programming skills which enable you to quickly integrate software for robotic experiments.

A good understanding of logic, probability theory and numerical optimization and experience with real-time workshop / Simulink coder are useful but can also be picked up during the project. You will enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and have a good degree of self-motivation.

Interviews are expected to be held on 11 and 12 July 2012.