PhD Student Researcher in Legacy-to-Rust Transpilation

Location:

Belgium, Brussels, VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Department of Computer Science, SOFT Research Group.

Duration:

4-year full-time funding ensured.

Application Deadline:

15th of December 2024.

Starting Date:

As soon as possible.

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join the SOFT (Software Languages Lab) group at VUB. This position is part of the FORCES research project, funded by the BELSPO DEFRA research program. The research focuses on the modernization of legacy software, specifically through the transpilation of C and C++ codebases to the memory-safe language Rust. This PhD position will involve research in compiler/transpiler construction, systems programming, embedded and robotic software, and secure software development, with the aim of advancing tools and techniques to efficiently migrate legacy systems while maintaining performance, security, correctness and software quality. The findings of this research have the potential to significantly enhance the security and efficiency of legacy systems across various industries, contributing to safer and more reliable software infrastructure worldwide. The research results will be applied on true prototype composed of many robotic software components.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on tools and methodologies to transpile legacy C and C++ codebases to safe Rust, ensuring the generated code maintains or improves security, performance, correctness, and quality.
• Explore compiler design, intermediate representations, and optimizations relevant to transpilation projects.
• Investigate methods to evaluate the performance and security of migrated software systems, using state-of-the-art tools enabling binary exploitation, fuzzing (like AFL++), and frameworks for benchmarking (like benchkit).
• Work on secure system software, including analyzing and enhancing the cybersecurity aspects of transformed code.
• Develop and secure software for robotic systems, particularly within the ROS (Robot Operating System) environment, and contribute to formal verification techniques to ensure the correctness of such systems.
• Collaborate with other researchers in the SOFT group, as well as external academic and industry partners, to validate the developed techniques in various scenarios.
• Publish and present research findings in high-impact journals and conferences such as PLDI, ASPLOS, SOSP, OSDI, RTAS, S&P, and others, contributing to the academic discourse in the field.
• Supervise master's and bachelor's students, and contribute to the group's educational activities.
• Participate in the elaboration of various deliverables, such as project reports, presentations, and other documentation as part of the project requirements.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Understanding of programming languages, compiler construction, and/or systems programming.
• Experience with C, C++ and/or Rust, with an interest in system security and memory-safe languages.
• Knowledge of compiler tools such as LLVM or related technologies is a plus.
• Interest in systems software, performance optimization, and secure software engineering practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a (often remote) research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

What We Offer:

• A stimulating research environment within a leading European research group.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including training, conference attendance, and collaboration with leading experts in programming languages, systems programming and cybersecurity.
• Access to state-of-the-art resources at VUB and collaboration opportunities through the FORCES project consortium.
• A competitive salary and benefits package aligned with VUB's PhD researcher compensation structure.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter describing your research interests and motivation for applying.
• A detailed CV, including academic transcripts and a list of publications (if applicable).
• Contact details for at least two academic references.

Please send your application materials to antonio.paolillo@vub.be by 6th of December 2024.

Contact Information:

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Antonio Paolillo at antonio.paolillo@vub.be. We look forward to receiving your application.