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A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Computer Science at Tulane University in historic Uptown New Orleans. 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. The appointment period is October 2, 2026 through October 1, 2027.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or a related area.
2. Demonstrated hands-on research skills in software security, program analysis, compilers/programming languages, or closely related areas.
3. A strong research and publication record (e.g., IEEE S&P, USENX Security, CCS, and PLDI), with the ability to lead projects and communicate results clearly in written and oral form.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Familiarity with LLVM-based static analysis, pointer/value-flow analysis, constraint solving, or program optimization.
2. Familiarity with Rust, C/C++ interoperability, foreign-function interfaces, ownership/borrowing, or memory-safety research.
3. Hands-on experience with software isolation, sandboxing, systems security, or experimental evaluation of real-world software.
Application Instructions
Candidates must provide the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
- Contact information for three professional references. [Candidates will provide names and email addresses]