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BACKGROUND

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Pretoria fulfils a vital role within the broader Information Technology spectrum in South Africa, as well as internationally. Our main objective is to explore and research the scientific basis of new technologies, where we promote the proliferation of reliable, robust and innovative computing and information technologies into industry.

To support this strive for industrially relevant innovation, the Department is currently partnering with the Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics (Dept. EEC Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa) in exploring new ways to apply data science in the built-in self-testing, diagnosis and performance estimation of microelectronic circuits for vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs). In particular, this fellowship will aim to advance the state-of-the-art in oscillation-based built-in self-testing (OBIST) of radiofrequency (RF) microelectronics. The successful candidate will enjoy access to the full range of the University's existing datasets, as well as the means to produce new data through simulation or experimentation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct and publish novel research related to the topic outlined above, in collaboration with the Principal Investigators and their research teams.
• Provide assistance and mentorship to undergraduate, honours, Master's degree and PhD studies in the same field

Although the prospective fellow is encouraged to set and execute their own research agenda within the framework of this project, one of (or a combination of) the following avenues of inquiry are anticipated:

• Conduct an ERA (Exploratory Data Analysis) and analyse existing data sets and attributes of RF OBIST data.
• Conduct experiments with different feature selection methods so to identify significant features of RF OBIST.
• Identify suitable methodologies for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to estimate circuit performance, apply these methodologies, and analyse their efficacy against other approaches.
• With this knowledge, inform changes to the way that test circuits generate test features, oversee its implementation and evaluate the improved performance.
• Make recommendations on safety aspects, focussing on IC's, within the application domain of VANETS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or an otherwise related field.
• Publication record in internationally accredited academic journals.
• Candidate must have less than 5 years post-PhD experience at commencement of the appointment.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Proficiency in both spoken and written English
• Well-developed interpersonal skills

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• Experience in data analytics
• Experience in electronics design or testing
• Prior experience in mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students

The remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with UP standard rates for postdoctoral fellows. Appointments may be extended annually based on performance.

Applicants are requested to send their application packs to the contact details below. In applying for this post, please attach:

• Cover letter, outlining the candidate's experience and interest in the field
• A comprehensive CV, including a list of publications
• Copies of qualifications and academic transcripts
• A copy of the candidate's best, or most representative, research output (journal or conference paper)
• Copy of, or download link for, the candidate's PhD thesis.
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact