Doctoral Candidate in Requirements Engineering

About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.
We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

Your role

We offer an attractive doctoral position in the context of the PLAITO project, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR). PLAITO contributes to building more trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) systems. AI is becoming an integral part of humans' everyday life by revolutionizing the automation strategies in various fields. PLAITO provides a new perspective on enhancing the completeness of natural-language (NL) software requirements, with emphasis on diversity and non-discrimination ethical concerns. To develop inclusive software, the needs of users who do not belong to the majority, e.g., visually impaired users, must be accounted for. In PLAITO, we will leverage the extensive knowledge of large language models such as GPT (the underlying model of ChatGPT) to learn about diverse users and their needs. The goal is to broaden the view of requirements engineers about potential users of software systems, both new and operating ones, to improve the completeness of the specified requirements.

The successful candidate will join the SVV research group, headed by Prof. Domenico Bianculli, and will report to Sallam Abualhaija (project PI). The team focuses on the development and design of reliable, safe, and secure software systems, carrying out both upstream activities such as requirements quality assurance and architecture analysis, as well as downstream verification & validation activities, primarily software testing and analysis. For further information, you may refer to https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/svv

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Carrying out research in the predefined areas
• Implementing prototype tools
• Empirically evaluating the proposed solutions and tools
• Disseminating results through scientific publications

For further information you may check www.securityandtrust.lu or contact

Your profile

• The candidate should possess a Master degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Informatics, Software Engineering or a related field

• The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and experience in a number of the following topics:
• Natural Language Processing and Understanding, with emphasis on large language models
• Machine Learning
• Requirements Engineering

• The candidate must possess strong programming skills
• The candidate should have critical thinking and team working skills
• Fluentwritten and verbal communication skills in English are required

We offer

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT's two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL06977

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).