Research Studentship in Computing Infrastructure

Research Studentship in Computing Infrastructure

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship 

Project: Sustainable and Resilient Computing Infrastructure

Supervisors: Prof Noa Zilberman

Digital technologies and services are an integral part of our lives. The computing infrastructure that enables their use is increasingly important, as critical services rely on this infrastructure, and as even the most mundane tasks rely on their proper operation. However, today’s computing infrastructure also has a growing environmental footprint, spanning all computing aspects: from data generation, transmission and movement to processing and storage.

This project will investigate algorithms, architectures and design solutions to increase the sustainability or the resilience of computing infrastructure. The introduction of new hybrid and programmable hardware architectures, and the exploration of their application to computing infrastructure are expected to be part of this studentship.

This DPhil project may address the following illustrative questions:

·        What fundamental elements in computing infrastructure need to be changed to increase sustainability, and how?

·        Can we design carbon-intelligent routing solutions?

·        What new hardware-architectures can increase the sustainability of computing infrastructure?

·        Can in-network computing be used to mitigate the effects of climate change on computing infrastructure?

·        How can we quantify the global environmental footprint of different computing paradigms?

·        How can new hybrid hardware architectures (e.g., DPU, IPU) be used to increase the resilience of computing infrastructure?

This project offers the opportunity to undertake ground-breaking research in the field of computing infrastructure involving elements of computer networks, programmable hardware, and systems. Suitable applicants could come from a range of backgrounds (engineering, computer science, physics) provided that they have interests in computing infrastructure sustainability and resilience. The Department is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and is keen to attract applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded through the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership and is open to Home students (full award – home fees plus stipend). Full details of the eligibility requirements can be found on the UK Research and Innovation website.

There is very limited flexibility to support international students. If you are an international student and want to apply for this studentship please contact the supervisor to see whether the flexibility might be available for you.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

·        A first class honours degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

·        Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++)

·        Good knowledge of computer networks

·        Good knowledge of systems (e.g., distributed systems, operating systems)

·        Excellent English written and spoken communication skills

The following skills are desirable but not essential:

·        Good hardware design skills (e.g., FPGA or ASIC)

·       Knowledge of programmable network devices (e.g., programming in P4)

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof Noa Zilberman ([Email Address Removed]).

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. Details are available on the course page of the University website.

Please quote 22ENGSSCI_NZ in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 9 December 2022 (In line with the December admissions deadline, set by the University)

Start date: October 2023