Research engineer position on
Model transformation for design and validation of embedded systems
CONTEXT
A strong research effort has been devoted to the definition of methods and tools to improve software quality, in particular in the domain of safety critical and embedded systems, where model-based approaches have been deployed for many years in specific contexts. This trend has increased with the general trend towards the use of model-based techniques and component-based design in software engineering.
The work is to be carried out in the context of the SPEEDS European Integrated Project (http://www.speeds.eu.com). The 15 partners include important industrial users (Airbus, EADS, SAAB, Bosch, IAI, Magnus Steyr), software development tool providers (Esterel Technologies, Geensys, Telelogic, Extessy, IBM), and academics (Verimag, INRIA, OFFIS, Parades) leading in the domain of model-based development of embedded systems.
The aim of this project is to allow the developer of an embedded system to use heterogeneous modelling paradigms in a uniform framework thanks to
· the existence of a common semantic-based exchange format HRC associating "rich interfaces" with components, where rich interfaces include contracts as behaviour abstractions of functional and non functional aspects.
· scalable validation (based on simulation, formal verification, static analysis, ...) using a large spectrum of analysis tools on HRC (structure + contracts)
· application to case studies
OBJECTIVES
Our aim is to build a tool chain which allows contract-based validation based on model transformations and existing analysis engines. This tool chain will
· transform contracts from a pattern-based property language into HRC
· do scalable contract analysis by transformation of HRC into our BIP language and a representation of BIP in the syntax of the Maude rewrite engine
· do analysis using the Maude and BIP analysis engines
· be integrated into the SPEEDS tool environment and be used in case studies
This tool chain is today partially realised, but some intricate problems remain to be solved. Maude is an open source rewrite engine (http://maude.cs.uiuc.edu) and BIP, the acronym standing for Behaviour - Interaction - Priority, a new component framework for the validation and design of heterogeneous embedded component systems (http://www-verimag.imag.fr/ async/bip.php)
EXPECTED SKILLS
The candidate is expected to hold a PhD in software engineering. He will use and propose innovative engineering methods for the development of embedded software systems. There are concrete goals to be achieved and longer term objectives to be built up. This position should fit for a candidate envisaging a career as a researcher or as a research engineer in software engineering.
The particular skills that the candidate should bring are
· experience with model-driven technologies (Eclipse, EMF, Meta-modelling, ATL, Java, OCL, ...)
· some knowledge of the application domain, that is formal methods and embedded systems, is desirable
· written and oral communication in English is a must
· the candidate should be open minded to drive into new domains and ready for team work
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND LOCATION
VERIMAG (http://www-verimag.imag.fr) is a leading research centre in embedded systems of the Grenoble Universities (http://www.grenoble-universites.fr) and CNRS (http://www.cnrs.fr). VERIMAG hosts about 80 people, including 40 PhD and postdoc students. VERIMAG is the coordinator of the European Network of Excellence ARTIST (http://www.artist-embedded.org). The founder of VERIMAG, Joseph Sifakis, obtained the 2007 Turing award for his pioneer work on model-checking.
Grenoble is also called the capital of the French Alps and is one of the most active areas in Europe for research in Information and Communication Technologies. And the recently launched "Campus" project (http://www.minatec.com/actualite/ar...) is likely to increase even more this attractivity.
STARTING DATE, DURATION, TERMS of EMPLOYMENT
A full-time position as contractual research engineer, available immediately. The initial contract is until end of 2009 and might be further extended up to an overall duration of 3 years. The salary will be between 2500 EUR and 3200 EUR gross per month depending on qualifications and experience.
APPLICATION
The application should consist of a motivation letter and a curriculum vitae. Contact information for referees may be joined. Applications and requests should be sent to:
Susanne Graf, CNRS Research Director at VERIMAG
Susanne-dot-Graf-at-imag-dot-fr (http://www-verimag.imag.fr/ graf/)
