Postdoctoral Fellow

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

This fixed-term research position is part of the finding, understanding, and mitigating vulnerabilities in domestic and global software supply chains programme, funded by the Research Trust of Victoria University of Wellington.

The software systems that drive the world's economy are not built from scratch. More than 90% of enterprises worldwide use proprietary and opensource third-party components (such as libraries and modules) and build-and-deployment services to achieve economies of scale. These components have their own dependencies, which results in complex and vulnerable software supply chains. Exploiting vulnerabilities is the most common form of initial cybersecurity attack – one in five vulnerabilities is exploited within 48 hours.

Software security updates are often delayed, leading to technical lag. This is often caused by breaking changes in new versions that hinder downstream adaption. This research will investigate new techniques for deploying security patches of libraries to downstream clients without causing breaking changes (source, binary and behavioural incompatibility), or if breaking changes will occur, techniques to automatically mitigate them and adapt clients accordingly.

This role focuses on improving patch deployment approaches for modern software systems, developing new techniques for patching and refactoring clients, and creating prototype systems to demonstrate and evaluate these innovations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying shortcomings in existing patch deployment approaches.
• Designing and evaluating new methods for patch deployment and client refactoring.
• Developing and refining software prototypes to demonstrate new methods and techniques.
• Conducting user studies and empirical evaluations with industry partners.
• Publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed venues.
• Collaborating closely with the Human Aspects of Software Engineering Lab (HASEL) and other project investigators.
• Supporting and mentoring students involved in related research.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) 24-month contract role based at the University of Auckland, with some travel required for collaboration meetings.

The salary for this role is $90,405 per annum.

Please view the position description for more information.

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of New Zealand's largest employers.

The University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, is also committed to the revitalisation of our indigenous language, Te Reo Māori. Candidates are not expected to bring this knowledge, and staff are supported in their learning in many ways, at all levels.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Faculty of Engineering and Design is a leading centre for research, innovation, and education across engineering, architecture, urban planning, and design. The Faculty fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with industry, government, and research institutions to address complex challenges and create sustainable solutions.

Within the Faculty, the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering (ECSE) conducts world-class research in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence. You will join the Human Aspects of Software Engineering Lab (HASEL), a dynamic and collaborative group focused on understanding and improving how people develop, maintain, and evolve software.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with strong research experience in software maintenance, patch deployment, software evolution, or similar areas.

You will also bring:

• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed software engineering venues.
• Experience with empirical software engineering research methods.
• Proven ability to develop and evaluate new software methods and prototypes.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary and international teams.

Preferred:

• Experience analysing large codebases (e.g., static analysis, refactoring, mining software repositories).
• Familiarity with UX design methods for software tools.
• Previous involvement in collaborative research projects.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by 25/11/2025 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV, highlighting how your experience aligns with the role.

Please note that we may close the advert early if a suitable candidate is identified.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Associate Professor Kelly Blincoe (Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering) - Please note that applications sent via email will not be accepted.