[ Dear Haskellers! This job opening may sound a bit database-ish on a first read, but there is lots of Haskell and functional programming inside. Please contact me if you're in doubt. Best wishes, --Torsten ] Join us on the fringes between database and programming languages The Database Systems Research Group (Prof. Torsten Grust) at the Wilhelm-Schickard-Institute for Computer Science of Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany, opens a position for a Research Assistant (PhD student or Postdoc level, three-year, full-time) in the Ferry research project[1]. Ferry explores how far we can push the idea of relational database engines that support the super-fast execution of programs written in a variety of programming languages. Our current focus is on LINQ, Ruby, and Philip Wadler's Links, but consider this list as open-ended. = DATABASE-SUPPORTED PROGRAM EXECUTION = We search for, design, and implement new compilation strategies that map data types and idioms prevalent in (functional) programming and scripting languages into efficient database queries. Ferry targets off-the-shelf SQL database systems as well as a number of off-beat database engines (e.g., X100, MonetDB, or kdb+). We build on technology developed in the context of our project Pathfinder[2]. Implementation languages are Haskell, O'Caml and C. This demo video[3] provides a flavor of the ideas behind Ferry. Ferry is supported by the DFG (German Research Foundation). = REQUIREMENTS = We are looking forward to grow our team and welcome applications of highly motivated candidates with an excellent university degree (Master in Computer Science or a closely related field) who are willing to develop and shape the future of Ferry. If you are a database person, that's great. If you are into (functional) programming languages, that's perfect. (Yes, we love SQL /and/ Haskell.) Last but not least, we hope that you like systems building as much as we do. The position has no teaching obligations -- if you would like to get involved with teaching nevertheless, please let us know. Good knowledge of English (research and publication) is a requirement, a reasonable command of German will be helpful. = JOB DETAILS AND APPLICATION = Successful candidates will sign a contract with the Universität Tübingen under the current regulations applicable to employees in Public Service (TV-L). This is a three-year full-time position. The exact start date in the time frame March till May 2010 is negotiable. You will be working in Tübingen, the traditional university town in the Neckar valley (Stuttgart region). Our group offers an informal, open, and fun working environment. Universität Tübingen aims at increasing the number of female employees and thus especially welcomes applications of female candidates. Applications of disabled candidates will be given priority, depending on their suitability. Please send your complete application in PDF format via e-mail to Prof. Torsten Grust (torsten.grust@uni-tuebingen.de). The deadline for applications is Feburary 19, 2010. Inquiries with respect to this position may be directed to Prof. Torsten Grust +49 7071 / 29 75477 torsten.grust@uni-tuebingen.de www-db.informatik.uni-tuebingen.de [1] http://www.ferry-lang.org/ [2] http://www.pathfinder-xquery.org/ [3] http://bit.ly/4GKEhQ (MP4, approx. 10MB), or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRKmRiW_v4Q&fmt=18 (YouTube) -- | Prof. Dr. Torsten Grust torsten.grust@uni-tuebingen.de | | www-db.informatik.uni-tuebingen.de | | Database Systems - Universität Tübingen (Germany) |