PhD position at the University of Oldenburg
A 3-year PhD position (scientific assistant) is available in the lab of Prof. Dr. Annegret Habel, Department of Computing Sciences, University of Oldenburg, starting October 1st 2016
Deadline: 15th September 2016.
Meta-Modeling and Graph Grammars: Generating Development Environments for Modeling Languages
There is a trend to develop domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs) with corresponding integrated development environments (IDEs) for model-driven development of software. Such IDEs include but are not limited to model editors as well as interpreters and/or translators of models. Additional tools such as high-level model version management and test support with automatic test case generation and model migrators are of great use. The development of such IDEs, however, is costly and requires tool development experiences. Therefore, meta-tools have been developed which reduce tool development to their domain-specific tasks. But still a lot of manual work and tool-related experiences are needed to use these meta-tools in the right way.
The overall aim of this project is to raise the degree of automation w.r.t. tool support for modeling languages, especially DSMLs. Since tool development seems to be the largest obstacle for using modeling languages, we intend to identify core problems and to develop new concepts, methods and meta-tools to make tool development for modeling languages faster and easier. In a certain sense, we consider to lift the specification of domain-specific tool environments to a higher abstraction level, i.e., to make it more model-driven. To reach this aim, inherent problems such as interactively generating and repairing models need to be solved and are best considered on the formal level. We use the theory of graph transformation to systematically tackle them.
Solutions found are implemented based on the Eclipse Modeling Project and evaluated at a variety of modeling languages.
Project background
Visual modeling languages play an important role for the understanding and construction of systems.
This is true for hard- and software systems in computer science as well as other systems such as
production systems. In model-driven software engineering, models are even treated as the central artifacts of software development. According to the goal of modeling, different modeling languages are needed, general and domain-specific ones as well as visual and textual ones.
Tasks for the successful candidate
In this project, we focus on two complementary approaches to define visual modeling languages: meta-modeling and graph grammars. While meta-modeling represents a declarative language design, graph grammars define languages in a constructive way. To use the advantages of both paradigms, we aim to integrate them in a suitable way. Meta-models should be translated into equivalent model grammars, enabling a well-founded automated generation of instance models. As formal basis of this work we use the theory of algebraic graph transformation. This meta-model translation shall be used for the development of user-friendly model editors as well as for the systematic testing of model transformations. The newly-developed techniques shall be implemented based on the Eclipse Modeling Project and evaluated at two reference applications.
Profile of the candidate:
We are looking for a motivated person interested in the topic above and with a German diploma, master or a comparable degree in Computer science or a related field. Candidates should have an excellent knowledge of the formal foundation of graph transformation as well as knowledge in modeldriven software development, more specifically UML/OCL, EMF, and model transformation. Basic knowledge of German is desirable.
Salary and benefits are according to a public service position in Germany (TV-L E 13) and amount to ca. 65.000 EU a year depending on work experience. We welcome applicants with children-as the University considers itself a family-friendly university. Working hours can be adapted to special family needs. The position is suited for part-time work.
The University of Oldenburg is an equal opportunity employer and seeking to increase the proportion of female academic staff members. According to SS 21,3 NHG female applicants are to be preferentially considered in case of equal qualification.
Disabled persons with equal qualification will be given preference.
Please do only send photocopies of any documents as we cannot return the materials. Please also note that we cannot refund application and travel expenses.
For scientific enquiries contact Prof. Dr. Habel (annegret.habel@informatik.uni-oldenburg.de). Please
send your application including a letter outlining your suitability for the post, a detailed CV, contact
details of 2 referees, a copy of your diploma-thesis and/or other exams, and, if applicable, a list of
publications to Prof. Dr. Annegret Habel, Department of Computing Sciences of the Carl v. Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany. Deadline: 15th September 2016.