Doctoral student in automated numerical and logical methods for bug finding in programs

Om jobbet

Apply your functional programming background to research formal methods for automated bug finding at the Division of Computing Science. As a Doctoral student, you will develop automated tools based on numerical techniques and theorem provers.

About us

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, a joint department of Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, spans the breadth of computing disciplines. Our internationally visible research, strong industry links and diverse environment create a collaborative setting where ideas grow into real impact.

At the division of Computing Science, we advance secure and trustworthy software and systems, spanning foundations, programming languages, tools and practical methods that help shape dependable digital infrastructures.

About the research project

This project develops automated numerical and logical methods for finding bugs in programs. You will build bug-finding tools using logical specifications, numerical methods, and automated theorem provers, working within the research group that produced QuickCheck. Our core areas include formal methods, functional programming, software and hardware specifications, software testing, model checking, automated reasoning, and SAT. The project involves both theoretical foundations and practical tool development.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a closely related field. (*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A strong background and experience in functional programming.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research group.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• A strong background in logic.
• A strong background in mathematics.
• Demonstrated skills in technical writing and programming. We ask that you include a concrete example in your application that demonstrates these skills (such as your thesis or a substantial course project).

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate School of Computer Science and Engineering.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.
• Teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level (or performing other departmental duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours).
• Research and develop theoretical foundations and practical automated bug-finding tools using logical specifications, numerical methods, and automated theorem provers.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note:The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than June 1, 2026.

For questions, please contact:

Koen Claessen
Professor
Email: koen@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.

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