Research Fellow

University of Birmingham - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - School of Computer Science

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822.

Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Background

Undertake the role of Research Fellow on the EPSRC Grant Semantics-Directed Compiler Construction: From Formal Semantics to Certified Compilers, at the University of Birmingham (a joint project with Prof. Graham Hutton at the University of Nottingham). The main aim of the grant is to construct compilers automatically from semantic descriptions of languages. The research will employ methods from operational and denotational semantics, abstract machines, as well as string diagrams and graph rewriting. Some knowledge of category theory would be useful but not essential.

Being able to formalise the frameworks and procedures using mainstream proof assistants is desirable.

Role Summary

• Carry out research within the specified research grant area, theory of programming languages, including the development of proof-of-concept prototypes
• Write up research papers and contribute to open-source repositories
• Contribute to generating further funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals or to the public understanding of the discipline

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop the understanding of compiler and interpreter development from sound semantic principles
• Focus on the use of string diagrams and graph rewriting in the development of compilers and interpreters
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person Specification

First degree in theoretical computer science is required and normally, a higher degree relevant to the research areas below or equivalent qualifications/experience:

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