Postdoctoral Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in Advanced Verification for Autonomou

The Computer Science Department at the University of Bristol invites applications for a Post Doctoral Research Associate or Senior Research Associate position in a leading-edge research project to advance verification techniques for autonomous driving functionality.

Research is focused on developing methodologies and novel simulation-based verification techniques for autonomous driving functionality as part of the verification and validation research within the Innovate UK project ROBOPILOT. The ROBOPILOT project aims to deliver a range of driving functions at different autonomy levels, specifically for electric freight vehicles, including full safety and security verification and validation, leading to the development of new verification and validation techniques and tools for this growing sector.

You will conduct in-depth research into simulation-based verification and validation techniques of autonomous electric freight vehicles in collaboration with the ROBOPILOT partners, focusing on a variety of autonomy functions, use case scenarios and real-world accident data. In particular, your research will be centred on investigating, developing and evaluating novel test generation techniques, including model-based testing and agent-based methods, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of simulation-based verification.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the development of autonomous driving functions and to contribute novel techniques towards their verification. Depending on your experience, the role offers considerable intellectual freedom and opportunities for you to take significant initiative, leadership and responsibility towards realizing the research objectives of the ROBOPILOT project.

You hold, or expect to hold, a PhD in Computer Science or Robotics, or in a closely related field; alternatively, you have a first degree in one of the above-mentioned subjects and at least three years experience in a research role in industry. Fresh PhD graduates are very strongly encouraged to apply.

You have started to build up a strong publication record. You must have excellent programming skills and are able to quickly integrate software for simulation and test runs. You are competent to undertake hands-on work related to verification. It would be an advantage to have a strong background in at least one of the following areas: robotics simulation, simulation-based testing, formal methods, including formal modelling, formal specification and verification, e.g. with UPPAAL, model-based design or testing techniques, multi-agent systems, BDI and agent programming.

This post is offered as open-ended contract with funding available for up to 2 years.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held shortly after this advert closes.

For further information and to discuss details please contact the Principal Investigator, Prof. Kerstin Eder, on 0044 117 9545146 or by email Kerstin.Eder@bristol.ac.uk

The University is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive culture.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.