Exploring foundations of declarative programming languages for the analysis of large amounts of data

Today, many of the most popular frameworks for data science are based on ideas from functional programming (e.g. MapReduce) or logic programming (e.g. SQL and richer logic programming languages such as Datalog). Declarative programming techniques (drawing on functional and logic programming, database theory, and logic) offer tremendous potential to make large-scale data analytics easier and more accessible to a wide audience. The aim of this studentship is to explore foundations of declarative programming languages for the analysis of large amounts of data.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
• Meta-programming techniques for implementing query engines
• Incremental maintenance for declarative queries
• Bidirectional data transformations (view update/data synchronization)
• Provenance management, audit, explanation of errors
• Declarative Web and user interface programming

This project is supported by a generous gift from LogicBlox, Inc. and funding from the University of Edinburgh Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Science. The studentship can provide full funding for a student of any nationality.

Background required

The PhD student supported by this funding will carry out fundamental research on declarative programming for data science. We seek applicants with a strong background and research interests in declarative (functional or logic) programming, databases, or logic, and who have the drive and ambition to become a future leader in this exciting area. Applicants with a strong background in mainstream tools for data science and clear potential to learn other aspects of the research background will also be considered.

About the position

This PhD studentship provides a total of 4 years funding for full-time research (with no required teaching obligations), structured as a 1-year Master’s by Research followed by 3 years of PhD research, hosted in the School’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Science. Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss project topics with the supervisor before applying.

Application information

To apply to the CDT in Data Science, use the standard University of Edinburgh website to apply for the programme called "Informatics: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Science: MSc by Research Data Science - 1 Year (Full-time)". All CDT students should apply to this MSc programme as applications will automatically be considered for the full 1 year MSc by Research + 3 year PhD programme.

In your application, please:
• list James Cheney in the "Proposed Supervisor" field;
• list “Declarative Programming for Data Science” in the "Research Topic" field; and
• the research proposal should address a topic relevant to the project you are applying for, it should not simply be a restatement of this advertisement.

For more information about study in Edinburgh and the School of Informatics, or for more details about this project and its background, see these pages:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/informatics/postgraduate
http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/jcheney/group/dpds.html