PhD position on Model-Based Testing for Evidence-Driven Black-Box Checking

Job description

Nowadays so much new and complex software is being developed that there are by far not enough specialists to test this software properly. As a result, companies need more time/resources to develop software, and their products (which we all use) may contain critical bugs. In this project, we investigate methods for automatic software testing. In test automation, model-based testing is the state-of-the-art technique, where tests are generated fully automatically from a model (typically a state-transition system), and then executed on the software system.

In the EVI project, you will develop test generation algorithms, that generate tests from two models: a model that specifies the expected behaviour of the system, and a model that describes the actual behaviour of the system. By combining such sources of evidence, tests are better equipped for detecting software bugs, including those often missed by other tools.

The EVI project is a collaboration between Petra van den Bos from the University of Twente (UT) and Frits Vaandrager from the Radboud University (RU), with a PhD student at each university. Marielle Stoelinga is involved as promotor of the UT PhD student.

The theme of the EVI project is evidence-driven black-box checking, where the fields of automata learning (RU) and model-based testing (UT) are combined. The RU PhD student will develop automata learning techniques for uncovering the actual behaviour of the system. You, as the UT PhD student, will use this as input for your test generation algorithms.

While your main focus will be on test generation, you will also investigate how specification models can be acquired. Models can be constructed from requirements on the system, that e.g. have been formulated as part of the behaviour-driven development process of the system. Furthermore, such models may also incorporate known risks on the occurrence of bugs in the system.

Besides designing test generation algorithms, you will also implement them in a tool. With the help of this tool, you will then apply your research to relevant case studies from the industry.

Your profile

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.
• You have, or will shortly, acquire a master's degree in the field of Computer Science, Mathematics, or comparable.
• You have a demonstrable interest in formal methods and software engineering.
• You have strong software engineering and programming skills and enjoy pushing the limits of algorithms.
• You are interested in working at the intersection of computer science and mathematics, with a particular emphasis on model-based testing.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• You are proficient in English.

Our offer

• As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, or a 4-day position for 5 years. You will have a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
• You will be a member of the Formal Methods and Tools research group, a strong research group on formal methods and software engineering with an open and welcoming atmosphere.
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• For a full-time position, you will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.872,- (first year) to € 3.670,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• The flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on a green campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating closely with colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 7 October, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your motivation to apply for a Ph.D. trajectory in general as well as for this specific position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications.
• A PDF version of your Master’s thesis or comparable work of your own.
• The names of 2-3 references who can be contacted for additional information about you.

About the department

The Formal Methods and Tools group is part of the Computer Science department of the University of Twente. Our mission is to develop mathematical methods, high-performance data structures and algorithms, and suitable programming languages for the design of reliable software- and data-intensive control systems.

The group consists of approximately 40 researchers with a very diverse background. We have an open and inclusive atmosphere, with many group activities (both work-related and fun).

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.