Postdoctoral Position in Software Engineering: Program Analysis and Repository Mining

Syddansk Universitet; Cortex Park; Vor Ort; DKK 456.000 - 624.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral researcher position in the Software Engineering section of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute. The project explores repairing software without test suites or specifications, using code-derived evidence across languages.

Start date is February 1, 2027, with a deadline of November 15, 2026. The role emphasizes empirical evaluation, collaboration, and publication in top venues, in an international environment

Qualifikationen

• PhD completed or near completion in software-related field.
• Research experience or strong interest in program analysis, software repositories, automated software engineering, software testing, or software repair.
• Interest in reliability challenges from AI-generated code.

Aufgaben

• Investigate repair of defects without tests or specs and design a framework.
• Evaluate proposals across multiple programming languages with real-world bugs and AI-modified code.

Kenntnisse

C

Java

Python

Ausbildung

PhD in Software Engineering/CS/PL/AI

Jobbeschreibung

A 2-year postdoctoral researcher position is available at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in the Software Engineering section of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI). The successful candidate will contribute to the VILLUM Experiment project “Is Correctness Necessary? An Experiment in Test-Free Program Repair.” The project investigates whether software bugs can be repaired using information found in the code itself, without relying on test suites or specifications. The position is available from February 1, 2027.

The application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Project Description

Generating code is becoming cheap; establishing whether it is correct is not. Large language models can now produce and modify software at remarkable speed, and practices such as “vibe coding” are widening the gap between code generation and validation. Requiring a carefully designed test suite or specification for every generated fragment is unlikely to scale. Yet most automated repair techniques depend on exactly such a correctness oracle: without a failing test or specification, they have neither a clear repair target nor a way to assess a proposed change.

This project challenges that dependency by investigating whether software bugs can be repaired using evidence already present in the code. It will combine program analysis with patterns mined from existing software to explore whether multiple, independent sources of evidence can guide repair when tests or specifications are unavailable. The approach will be studied across different programming languages and evaluated on both real-world bugs and code modified by AI coding assistants. The broader aim is to determine when code contains enough information to support its own repair and when knowledge of the intended behavior remains essential.

What we offer

We offer a dynamic and supportive research environment within an internationally recognized institute. You will join an open, collaborative team that values teamwork, professional diligence, and innovation. The Software Engineering section provides flexible work conditions and strong support for individual development, including mentorship and opportunities to expand your skills and responsibilities.

As part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, our section is involved in a variety of national and European research projects and enjoys a robust network of academic and industrial partners. This position provides an opportunity to engage with these collaborations and work on real-world challenges. We encourage and support our postdocs to publish their research in renowned journals and conferences, and to engage in knowledge exchange with colleagues and external research and industrial partners. The working language is English, and we pride ourselves on a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring workplace that fosters personal and professional growth.

What we expect

The appointed researcher will investigate whether software defects can be repaired without relying on test suites or specifications. The candidate will contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a framework that combines program analysis with patterns mined from existing software. The work will involve experiments with real-world bugs and code modified by AI coding assistants across multiple programming languages. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who meets the following qualifications and characteristics:

• A PhD (completed or close to completion) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.
• Research experience or a strong interest in one or more of the following areas: program analysis, mining software repositories, automated software engineering, software testing, or software repair.
• An interest in software reliability challenges arising from AI-generated and AI-modified code.
• Experience with empirical evaluation, software repositories, or bug benchmarks is an advantage.
• Experience with one or more of C, Java, and Python is an advantage.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, with good communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• A strong research record or demonstrated research potential through publications or other relevant research outputs.

Workplace description

The postdoc will be employed in the Software Engineering section at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI), SDU. MMMI is an internationally recognized research institute within the Faculty of Engineering, known for its contributions to software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The Software Engineering section encompasses a range of research areas in software development, data analytics, and intelligent systems, and it plays a key role in several ongoing European projects.

Our workplace is truly international and collaborative. Researchers in the section come from diverse backgrounds and work closely together on cross-disciplinary projects. We benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a strong administrative and technical support structure. The institute maintains close collaboration with other departments and centers at SDU, as well as with industry partners, providing a vibrant environment where theoretical research meets practical application. The position will be located on SDU’s Odense campus, which offers an attractive setting and a rich campus life in the city of Odense, Denmark’s hub for robotics and technology development.

Further information

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Abhishek Tiwari ([e-mail]) or Assistant Professor Jyoti Prakash ([e-mail])

Application

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position.
• A research statement may be included.
• References/reference letters may also be included.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an expert or assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Employment terms

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from February 1, 2027. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein.

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.