EngD Studentship in Heterogeneous Modelling of High Integrity Software Product Lines - FULLY FUNDED, sponsored by Aero Engine Controls

Applications are invited for a Research Engineer to work on a research project in the heterogeneous modelling of high-integrity software product lines, commencing asap. The research project is fully funded and will be carried out in conjunction with studying for an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Large Scale Complex IT Systems (LSCITS). The Programme is a full time, 4-year doctoral level research degree involving a taught component, similar in scope to an MSc, and a research component requiring the Research Engineer to work closely with a sponsoring organisation.

The Sponsoring Organisation: Aero Engine Controls (AEC)
The successful candidate will also be based at Aero Engine Controls (AEC) in Derby and will be assigned an industrial supervisor from AEC and an academic supervisor from the University of York.

The Research Project:

Modern complex embedded systems contain functionality that spans multiple domains and there is the growing need to model and analyse cross-domain aspects of these systems. However there is currently little tool or notational support to develop cross-domain models or even analyse a set of individual domain-specific models to demonstrate completeness or consistency. Developing for a product line adds additional complexity to this problem. Product line development requires the common and variable aspects of the system to be identified and specified in a consistent manner across the models, and typically uses model transformation techniques to generate product instantiations.

The student will focus on researching techniques to ensure/enforce consistency across heterogeneous product line models; in particular to work within one or more of the following topics:

• Variability modelling approaches for functional modelling tools/notations (e.g. SCADE, Simulink)
• Integration of structural and functional modelling notations and tools (UML, SCADE, Simulink)
• Coordination/integration of code generation to ensure an integrated product can be realised from multiple models.
• Co-simulation of heterogeneous models to provide early verification of correctness of design
• Analysis across heterogeneous models to demonstrate system-wide properties

Applicants should be highly motivated and have a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering or an MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or similar discipline. Candidates should also a strong background in software engineering, an understanding of embedded control system development, and good communication skills. Prior relevant commercial / industrial experience would be advantageous.