Research Assistant/ Associate Glasgow, Scotland
University of Glasgow
Full Time
Glasgow, Scotland
38474 - 43155 GBP ANNUAL Today
Job description
Job Purpose
You will contribute to/make a leading contribution to the new “Secure MicroPython for Morello” project to extend the MicroPython framework so it supports architectural security mechanisms like CHERI capabilities. You will be working with Dr Jeremy Singer, University of Glasgow, and our project funder Dstl.
The research will be at the intersection of Systems Programming, Programming Language Implementation and Cyber Security. The main focus will be to investigate how to integrate capability-awareness into the MicroPython framework, running on the prototype Arm Morello platform. The work will involve porting the MicroPython codebase to the Morello platform, designing and implementing MicroPython extensions based on capabilities, and conducting a feasibility study of bare-metal MicroPython on Morello. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to research publications and project reports. This work aligns with other projects currently conducted at University of Glasgow in the area of Digital Security by Design.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the PI:
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
8. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
For appointment at grade 7
9. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research.
10. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
11. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Qualifications
Essential:
A1 SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in in Computer Science, Data Science, or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
For appointment at Grade 7:
A2 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)
Desirable:
B1 An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent
Knowledge and Skills
Essential:
C1 Knowledge of programming language implementation, including compilers and interpreters.
C2 Knowledge of cybersecurity.
C3 Knowledge of modern systems architecture, such as 64-bit Arm systems.
C4 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
C5 Extensive data analysis/interpretation skills.
C6 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
For appointment at grade 7:
C7 Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within systems-level cybersecurity
C8 Knowledge of security issues for programming language interpreters
Desirable:
D1 Knowledge of CHERI and the Arm Morello prototype system
Experience
Essential:
E1 Experience of scientific writing
E2 Experience of designing and implementing programming language interpreters
E3 Experience of developing software in both C and Python
E4 Experience of system administration in Unix
For appointment at grade 7:
E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences
E6 Experience in undertaking independent research
Closing date - 2 May 2023
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6/7, £31,502 - £35,308 / £38,474 - £43,155 per annum.
This post is full time and fixed term for up to 8 months
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
