Doctoral student in Computer Science with a focus on software engineering within the NextG2Com Competence Center

Description of the workplace

The student will be employed at the Dept. of Computer Science, a vibrant international setting for education and research. Beyond software engineering, distinguished topics include artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and theoretical computer science.
More information about the Department of Computer Science (cs.lth.se).

The position offers a unique setup in the intersection of the Software Engineering Research Group (SERG) and the Software Development and Environments Research Group (SDE). SERG is renowned for its impactful and methodical empirical research focused on the large-scale engineering of software systems. SDE specializes in pioneering technical research, developing innovative tools, languages, and methodologies designed to enhance software development practices. Both groups are part of the software track of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems, and Software Program (WASP), and the PhD student, if interested, can apply to be affiliated with the WASP graduate school.
More information about Wasp graduate school (wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school)

This PhD position is part of the competence centre NextG2Com - Next Generation Communication and Computing Infrastructures and Applications - coordinated by Lund University in close collaboration with industry and public actors and supported by Vinnova.NextG2Com is a centre of excellence in future advanced communication systems integrating wireless communication technologies and networks, software, data and security through relevant application areas (Advanced Digitalisation).

Project description

The doctoral project is part of the theme focused on Software Systems and Continuous Software Engineering in the competence center NextG2Com, which is a long-term Vinnova-funded collaboration between Lund University and several companies, for instance, Volvo Cars, Remotive Labs, CodeScene, Bosch, Ericsson, and Tetra Pak. 
More information about NextG2Com Competence Center (nextg2com.lu.se) 

The project focus is driven by industrial needs around continuous software engineering in cyber-physical systems, i.e., systems with both software and hardware, e.g., automotive and internet-of-things systems. These systems may further include a mix of AI-enabled software components (behavior is based on training on data) and rule-based software components (behavior is defined by software code).

In cyber-physical systems, data-driven development (DDD) is particularly powerful due to the intrinsic integration of computing, networking, and physical processes. Cyber-physical systems and their development generate vast amounts of data that can be leveraged to improve system quality. In this project, we want to investigate how advanced data analytics can guide decisions throughout the development process. The integration of advanced data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence allows for the interpretation of large volumes of data to identify patterns, predict failures, and guide tasks such as resource allocation, and test planning. The project has two main research focuses:

1. To gain a deeper understanding of the application of DDD in cyber-physical systems through multiple case studies and surveying the state of the art, in collaboration with our industry partners in NextG2Com. 
2. To develop and evaluate tools for supporting DDD decisions in above mentioned industrial context, adopting an iterative design research strategy.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third-cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (of no more than 20%).

The PhD project will be strongly connected to the competence center NextG2Com and the doctoral student of the project is expected to actively participate in the recurring activities of the competence center.

Description of the work duties:

• Research within the subject area.
• Teaching in the second and third cycles.
• Collaboration with partners in NextG2Com.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Computer Science if the applicant has: 

• at least 60 second-cycle credits at an advanced level (M.Sc. level courses) that are relevant to this topic, or
• M.Sc. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Engineering Physics, or Engineering Mathematics.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge about software engineering theory and practice.
• Good knowledge in mathematics.
• Good knowledge about machine learning.
• The ability to work both independently and in small teams. 

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Relevant industrial experience.
• Work experience as a software engineer.
• Programming skills.
• Experience of user-centered design.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third-cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, grade transcripts, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). You are also asked to answer the selection questions. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and all submissions will be considered.

Welcome to apply!