Dual-Appointment PhD Candidate and Junior System Administrator, Software Optimization and Compiler

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a:

Dual-Appointment PhD Candidate and Junior System Administrator, Software Optimization and Compiler Techniques

We are looking for a PhD candidate in Software Optimization and Compiler Techniques. This is an exciting and fully-funded dual-appointment PhD candidate and junior software administrator position that allows you to both conduct cutting-edge research leading to a PhD thesis as well as gain experience in system administration in a scientific computing environment. Both require in-depth knowledge and understanding of low-level computer systems and as such these positions reinforce each other. The practice helps the theory, and the theory helps the practice. As such, this unique position allows you to become a highly specialized researcher in the field of structure and optimization of computer systems.  

As PhD candidate, you will work on a topic in the research field of software optimization and compiler techniques. Because you will be appointed 60% PhD candidate and 40% system administrator, the position is for a duration of six years, within which you are expected to complete a PhD thesis. This position essentially allows for a free choice of topic within the research field. Therefore, the specific focus of the research is to be determined in consultation with the supervisors, dr. Kristian Rietveld and Prof.dr. Rob van Nieuwpoort, in the first three months of the appointment. Possible research directions include but are not limited to:

• Novel compiler techniques to optimize across API layers in complex software systems;
• Software optimization for efficient e-Science applications;
• Use of large language models (LLM) in code translation and optimization; 
• Exploration of novel hardware platforms;
• Parallel and Distributed computing, including High Performance Computing (HPC) and Cloud Computing;

You are expected to take the lead in determining the focus of your own research. Therefore, we ask for a brief research proposal (max. 1 page A4) which outlines your proposed research project for the next six years.

In the junior system administration part of the position, you will be assisting in maintaining and improving the LIACS Research and Education Laboratory (REL) infrastructure. This is an internal computer network at LIACS explicitly purposed for computer science research and hosts research equipment such as small cluster computers, high-end GPU nodes and specially configured workstations on which experiments are conducted. You will be working in a team of junior and senior system administrators. Naturally, you will also be supporting researchers and students that use the research systems, for example with data stewardship.

You will be embedded in the Computer Systems and Security cluster, at the Leiden Institute for Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) at Leiden University, supervised by dr. Kristian Rietveld and Prof.dr. Rob van Nieuwpoort.

Key responsibilities 

• Conduct original research in the field of Computer Systems, focusing on software optimization and compiler techniques;
• Publish scientific work in peer-reviewed conference proceedings and journals, and presenting at top-tier international conferences;
• Pursue and complete a PhD thesis within the appointed duration of six years;
• Assist the LIACS system administrator in managing the LIACS research infrastructure, comprising tasks such as:
  • data steward for the computer science department,
  • keeping Linux systems up to date,
  • installing new Linux systems,
  • re-configuring network outlets,
  • assisting researchers and students that use our infrastructure with various questions,
  • assisting with installing server systems in the data center.

Selection Criteria 

• Recently completed (or soon to be completed) MSc degree in Computer Science with specialization in, for example, Parallel and Distributed Computing, High Performance Computing or Computer Systems, with strong performance in computer systems courses;
• You have an inherent interest in solving complex scientific problems and you can translate abstract thoughts and ideas into concrete implementations;
• You are passionate about working with other researchers, system administrators and students;
• You can communicate fluently in written and spoken English;
• Excellent programming and debugging skills in C++ and Python; other programming languages are a plus;
• At least three years of experience in Linux and basic Linux system administration, preferably with RHEL or Ubuntu;
• Good understanding of computer networking: TCP/IP, VLANs and routing;
• Affinity with Ansible is a plus;
• Affinity configuring OSI layer 1-3 network equipment through command line interfaces is a plus.
   

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. 

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/computer-science.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time position for initially one year for the position of PhD candidate (60%) as well as for the position of junior system administrator (40%).

After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment as PhD candidate (60%) will be extended by a further five years. Salary ranges from € 2.872,- to € 3.670,-  gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

After a positive evaluation of your performance and capabilities as system administrator, this part of your contract (40%) will be renewed for an indefinite period of time. You will be graded in scale 10.1 which means € 3.377 gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/graduate-school-of-science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

D&I statement
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information
Enquiries can be made to  dr. Kristian Rietveld, email: k.f.d.rietveld@liacs.leidenuniv.nl .  If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Anne-Marie Alleblas, email: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications 
Please submit online your application via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A cover letter including motivation to apply for and your applicability for your position;
• A curriculum vitae, including your publications (if any);
• Grade list / transcripts (both bachelor’s and master’s degree);
• A short research proposal in the area of software optimization and compiler techniques (max. 1 page A4);
• A short description of a system that you have installed, designed or administered, that you are most proud of and shows your prior experience in system administration (max. 1 page A4);
• Link to public code repository accounts and / or list of open-source projects that you have contributed code to;
• Names and contact details of at least two references (who have agreed to be contacted), at least one of which in academia.
• A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required to fulfill the position.

Only applications received before November 18th, 2024 can be considered.