Newsgroups: comp.lang.functional
Subject: aus.jobs misc.jobs.offered
From: news@massey.ac.nz (USENET News System)
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1992 02:59:39 GMT
Reply-To: N.Perry@massey.ac.nz
Organization: School of Maths & Info. Sci., Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ

Research Position in Concurrent Functional Programming

Overview
========

We have a position for a researcher to join a project developing
concurrent functional object/process-oriented functional languages.
The position is a "salaried studentship" (officially a half-GA for
those Kiwi's out there), this means that:

(a) you register for (and do!) a PhD, but fees are paid as you are
staff.

(b) you have teaching related duties (tutorials etc.) for up to
6 hours a week.

(c) you get paid about the same as a grant (but no fees are charged).
You do however pay tax (at 15% I think) [even welfare benefits get
taxed here I believe :-(]

(d) Anybody may apply, not just Kiwi's. However, no travel allowance
is available so if you come from outside NZ you must pay your own way
(sorry).

The salary is NZ$8000 per annum, this is renewed annually based on
sufficient progress with your PhD work, maximum period 3 or 4 years.
(There might be the possibility of extra income from University summer
jobs, but don't count on this).

Research Details
================

The project is concerned with the design on functional languages for
concurrent, as opposed to parallel, programming. By concurrent we mean
problems where the concurrency is essential, by parallel we simply
mean running a non-concurrent problem faster by using multiple
processors. Concurrency requires mechanisms to specify and control
concurrent execution, parallelism can be automatically extract due to
the properties of functional languages. (There is a difference between
the two, if people want to discuss start a seperate thread on
comp.lang.functional.)

The project will involve work in (at least):

*	Language design and implementation. The goal of the project is
to produce a working demonstration language first and then for the
experiences gained in using it produce a final working language.
Implementation work will be done on Macs running Mach.

*	Program Semantics. A semantics of the combined functional and
concurrent paradigms will be developed. This will involve work with
process algebras.

*	Type Systems. A type system to support the combined paradigms
adpossible the object/process-orientation needs to be developed.

There is also the possibility of related work being done in window
systems for functional languages and concurrent HCI interfaces, and it
might be possible for a candidate to be involved in those areas.

Applications
============

Applications or inquires for further information should be sent to Dr
N Perry, all forms a communication addresses are listed at the end
(electronic applications are acceptable if not preferred.)
Applications should include a CV including first degree result (or
expected result) and two referees, at least one academic.
Applications should be made by the end of October, an appointment will
be made about mid-November. Start date will be next academic year,
March 93, or possibly earlier by arrangement.
-- 
---
Dr Nigel Perry                    Email: N.Perry@massey.ac.nz
Department of Computer Science    Tel: +64 6 356 9099 ext 8900
Massey University                 Fax: +64 6 350 5611
Palmerston North
New Zealand