Fully funded PhD Studentship School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Refinement of specifications into distributed software: a BSP-based approach
High Performance & Distributed Computing Research Cluster

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science invites applications for a 36-month PhD studentship in the area of High Performance & Distributed Computing.

The work of the research cluster is concerned with the theory and application of high performance and distributed computing. This type of computing is at the forefront of computing technology and is crucial to economic development and to the solution of the most challenging research problems in science, engineering and medicine. Further details of the Cluster’s research activities can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/eeecs/Research/.

The aim of this project is to investigate the feasibility of refining formal specifications into efficient distributed software. Techniques for refining specifications into sequential software are well known. However, axiomatic systems for reasoning about distributed software are considerably more complex than their sequential counterparts. Consequently, the process of
refinement to distributed code is far from straightforward.

One goal of this work is to derive a methodological approach to the design of distributed numerical software. Numerical methods are a key toolbox for building scientific and engineering software. If successful the work could provide a basis for developing FPGAs for a wide range of applications which utilize distributed numerical algorithms.

The studentship is fully funded for three years from October 2007 and includes approved fees and a stipend of £12,600 per year, as well as provision for travel to conferences.

Eligibility
Candidates should possess a good honours degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline, and have strong mathematical and programming skills.

A recognised English language qualification (minimum IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550) is required if English is not your first language.

Contact
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Alan Stewart ( a.stewart@qub.ac.uk).

How To Apply
Applicants should apply online. Visit webpage http://pg.apply.qub.ac.uk and follow the instructions to register and apply. Please note that applicants must complete both the on-line admissions application form and the grant application form.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 25 May 2007.