PhD position Sensor Data Management (1 fte)
In this internal project a decentralized sensor data management infrastructure for e-science applications is developed. In e-science scenarios a data management infrastructure is used to e.g. run models, calculate correlations or interpolations between sensor data. This processing is based on different data classes like e.g. streaming sensor data or static map data. The combination of these different data classes and their properties related to update and insertion behavior requires a new state model for data management. Since sensor data are collected, maintained, and shared by different organizations a sensor data management is decentralized. The decentralization introduces new challenges on performing data management operations resulting in state changes of the data collection. In particular, the aim is to support state changes on a local system in the decentralized sensor data management which are also valid on a holistic view of the sensor data management. Finally, the new state model and the corresponding state changes have to be applied on the physical level, which introduces challenges on the performance optimization. This research has a clear application domain, which provides clear research questions. These questions provide substantial theoretical challenges, while the proposed solutions can be evaluated in the application domain again.
Environment
The University of Twente is an entrepreneurial research university, located in Enschede, the Netherlands. Organized over 5 faculties, the UT offers 20 educational programs ranging from applied physics, public and business administration, communication studies and various programs in engineering technology. The Computer Science department of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) is one of the largest academic institutions in computer science in the Netherlands. It provides courses in Technical Computer Science, Business Information Technology, and Telematics. In addition, the department contributes to computer science education within other academic programs. The research of the department, spearheaded by telematics and information technology, is part of the multidisciplinary research institute Centre for Telematics and Information Technology (CTIT). The department has about 220 permanent staff members and 1200 students. In the Chair of Databases we have an open position of a PhD student Sensor Data Management. The chair of Databases consists of 8 permanent and 8 temporary staff members and is responsible for research and education in the area of databases and data management issues for XML, multimedia and text retrieval, security, and ambient intelligence. The group has a strong interest in retrieval-oriented issues: XQuery, IR and XML, and usage of sensor data. The group is involved in a number of externally funded projects.
What we ask
We are looking for a candidate with a MSc. degree in computer science, databases, software engineering, mathematics (with a computer science specialization), or an equivalent degree. The work involves both theory (databases and distributed systems) and practice (implementing a research prototype and evaluation in an e-science context). The candidate must provide good communication skills, in writing as well as oral. Your main task will be to do research, but you will be given opportunities to acquire some teaching experience.
What we offer
We offer a research position in a dynamic and international environment. You will be appointed for a period of four years. The gross salary will range from € 2.000,00 in the first year to € 2.558,00 per month in the fourth year. As of January 2009 the salary will be increased to respectively € 2.042,00 (first year) and € 2.612,00 (fourth year) gross concerning a general adjustment of salaries. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development. In addition to this we offer a holiday allowance (amounts to 8%) and an end-of-year bonus (this year 6.4% and next year 8.3%, which is approximately an extra month of salary) and a number of additional benefits. The labor agreements are in accordance with the CAO-NU for Dutch universities.
Information and application
Information can be obtained from Andreas Wombacher, email: a.wombacher@utwente.nl . You are invited to send your application letter together with curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a list of courses you have followed (with grades), and the names and addresses of two referees, before October 19, 2008 by email or on paper to our secretary, email: db_secr@ewi.utwente.nl, Faculty of EEMCS, University of Twente, Zilverling 3047, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands, phone: +31 53 489 3690. Please refer to the vacancy number 08/235.