Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

This is a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position for 36-months on the research project DymSUM – Distributed Dynamic Software Updates using Multiparty Session Types, working with Dr Raymond Hu and our industrial partners at Monzo Bank and SAP.

The aim is to develop new theoretical foundations and practical tools based on multiparty session types for formal specification and safe programming of dynamically-evolving distributed systems, that is systems where components are updated in their source code (e.g., updates, bug fixes) and their execution configuration (e.g., migration of live channels/processes) while the system remains running. 

The most relevant research areas are session types, behavioural types, programming language theory (type systems), concurrency theory (process calculi), and distributed programming. Examples of recent relevant publications:

• https://doi.org/10.1145/3798256 (OOPSLA ’26)
• https://doi.org/10.1145/3798267 (OOPSLA ’26)
• https://doi.org/10.1145/3754449 (TOPLAS ‘25)
• https://doi.org/10.1145/3485501 (OOPSLA ‘21)
• The PI’s Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?userb08Zz1kAAAAJ&hlen 

Further to DymSUM, the PDRA will be a member of the Theory Group of EECS, and the Centre for Fundamentals of AI and Computational Theory.

About You

We are seeking highly motivated, creative and independent-minded candidates. Candidates must have a PhD (or close to completion) or research qualification/experience equivalent to PhD-level in the relevant subject area. The ideal candidate will have experience in developing novel theoretical and practical results and a track record of publications in the relevant areas.

Candidates are kindly requested to upload documents totaling no more than 10 pages; certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

About the School of EECS

As a multidisciplinary School, we are known for our pioneering research and pride ourselves on our international reputation. We are equal-first in the UK for the impact of our Computer Science research, and second for our Electronic Engineering research output according to the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). 

We offer high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds that leads them to achieve great career outcomes. Our Computing courses were recognised by a recent report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies as top in the country for social mobility.

We welcome staff from diverse backgrounds and are keen to reduce the gender gap, whilst providing a positive and flexible working environment for everyone.

About Queen Mary

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence and we embrace diversity of thought in everything we do. We believe that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme, and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. We have a range of work-life balance and family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We have policies to support our staff throughout their careers, including arrangements for those who wish to work flexibly or on a job share basis, and we provide support for those returning from long-term absence. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented (BAME) groups, and from women in all stages of life, including pregnancy and maternity leave.

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