Senior Research Associate in Computer Science: Exploiting Defect Prediction for Automatic Software Repair (Fixie) (A2445)

This project will exploit defect prediction information in the generation of automatic repairs for software. Automatic code repair is based on using genetic improvement to automatically generate repairs to code. The aim of this project is to produce automatic repairs in response to code predicted as defective, in addition defect prediction information will provide clues about the repair needed. Repairs will be generated for predicted defects from code involved in previous repairs to similar defects. Consequently a more sophisticated set of repairs should be possible and generated at faster speed than previously. 

The outputs from this project will be delivered in an open access tool. The tool will combine state-of-the-art defect prediction techniques with significantly improved automatic code repair and will be offered to developers via plug-ins to a range of IDEs. Extensive collaborations with software engineering companies are in place for the duration of this project.

We seek a candidate to undertake research in this area. The candidate will be expected to write and submit high-quality research papers, disseminate research results by giving talks and tutorials at conferences and other institutions, assist with preparing grant proposals, and undertake other research activities as needed. Please see Job Description for more details.

A PhD in computer science is required to be eligible for this position.  The ideal applicant will have a track record of high-quality publications in areas of relevance to the project and the willingness to undertake ambitious and challenging research.  For more details, please see the detailed Person Specification for this position.

The position will be under the supervision of Professor Tracy Hall, who is Chair of Software Engineering in the School. 

We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis, as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

The position is fixed term until 31st October 2021 and is available to start on 1 November, 2018. 

Interested candidates should contact Professor Tracy Hall for informal inquiries (t.hall3@lancaster.ac.uk).

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Closing Date: 16 Oct 2018
Category: Research