Postdoctoral Fellow - Computer Science (Ming)

Tulane • New Orleans, LA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Computer Science at Tulane University. The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Jiang Ming’s group on a language-based security research program that supports the transition from legacy C/C++ software to memory-safe Rust. The research will connect three complementary directions: optimization-guided program analysis to reduce unnecessary privileged or security-critical native code; automated synthesis of safer Rust interfaces for residual C libraries by inferring implementation-level memory effects, ownership, borrowing, and lifetime requirements; and contract-guided runtime protection that limits the memory authority of residual native components in mixed Rust/C applications. The successful candidate will lead prototype development using modern compiler and program-analysis frameworks, supervise and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate researchers, contribute to reproducible research artifacts, and disseminate results through publications and presentations in top-tier software engineering, programming languages, computer security, and systems venues. The position is initially for one year with an option for extension, subject to availability of funding.

Requirements

• PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or a related area.
• Demonstrated hands-on research skills in software security, program analysis, compilers/programming languages, or closely related areas.
• A strong research and publication record (e.g., IEEE S&P, USENX Security, CCS, and PLDI).
• Ability to lead projects and communicate results clearly in written and oral form.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with LLVM-based static analysis, pointer/value-flow analysis, constraint solving, or program optimization.
• Familiarity with Rust, C/C++ interoperability, foreign-function interfaces, ownership/borrowing, or memory-safety research.
• Hands-on experience with software isolation, sandboxing, systems security, or experimental evaluation of real-world software.

Responsibilities

• Lead prototype development using modern compiler and program-analysis frameworks.
• Supervise and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate researchers.
• Contribute to reproducible research artifacts.
• Disseminate results through publications and presentations in top-tier software engineering, programming languages, computer security, and systems venues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree