PhD Position Utilizing Runtime Information to Improve Development Processes

Context: Runtime information such as metrics, traces, and logs is currently outside the scope of the IDE. It is possible to develop, design, and refactor a system in an IDE, but only a few plugins make it possible to consider the available runtime information during the development process in the IDE. Developers can use various observability tools to receive alerts and create dashboards that can impact development, but getting feedback from runtime information directly in the IDE is difficult.
Goal: The goal of this project is to study how we can process runtime and observability data to improve the development process in the IDE. There are a lot of different research directions, such as anomaly detection, improving code generation and refactoring, creating smart tips for developers, and developing debugging and profiling assistants. The solution can be either ML or non-ML.
Note: This PhD position is part of the AI for Software Engineering lab (AI4SE), a collaboration between JetBrains and Delft University of Technology. Hence, the prospective PhD student will also work closely with researchers and developers of JetBrains. More information is available at https://lp.jetbrains.com/research/ai-for-se/. (edited)     

Requirements:

We are seeking a candidate who meets the following criteria:

• Holds a Master’s degree in computer science with a focus on Software Engineering, Software Testing, and Machine Learning.
• Possesses a strong background in programming using Python, Java, or Kotlin, with a potential portfolio demonstrating contributions to open-source projects.
• Possesses some expertise with static or dynamic analysis or with telemetry data.
• Shows proficiency in writing comprehensive documents and seamlessly integrating production-level software.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written English skills.
• Is capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a team, with a supportive and team-oriented approach.
• While prior research experience is not mandatory, it will be considered a plus.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Salary Benefits:

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 
For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2