join

CritLab is looking for new members! If you are motivated by a desire to build safer software and you have a passion for computer science and engineering, then CritLab could be a great environment for you.

The availability of specific positions depends on a number of dynamic factors, but it’s never the wrong time to apply! There are many ways to get involved:

  • Postdoc positions
  • PhD positions
  • MASc positions
  • Accelerated MASc (4+1) positions
  • Summer undergraduate researcher positions
  • Work study positions
  • Visiting graduate researcher positions


How to apply for a position

There are two parts to an application to CritLab:

  1. an application for supervision by Dr. Kauffman, and
  2. if you are applying for post-graduate studies, an application to join Queen’s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).

To apply for supervision, write an email to Dr. Kauffman following these instructions:

  1. Attach your CV and transcript in pdf format. Follow the naming convention your-name-cv.pdf and your-name-transcript.pdf.
  2. Make the subject [CritLab Application] Your Name (position)
  3. In the body, write three paragraphs. Do not use generative AI to write them (spelling and grammar checking is okay).
    1. In the first paragraph, tell me why you are contacting me. What type of position are you interested in? Let me know what term you are hoping to start. Indicate if you have applied for or are currently enrolled in a degree program with the Queen’s ECE department.
    2. In the second paragraph, tell me why you want to join CritLab specifically. Are you interested in formal methods? Do you want to make the world a safer place? Do you like spaceships? What is your specific story and interest? Do not mention a specific paper that you claim to have enjoyed.
    3. In the third paragraph, tell me a little bit more about yourself. What has been your journey so far? When did you become enchanted by computers? Why is research a path you want to explore? Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?

How not to apply

CritLab receives a lot of unsolicited applications, so filtering out the low-effort spam is important. No one likes their time wasted. As such, any of the following will result in your application going into a spam bucket:

  1. Mentioning a specific paper written by Dr. Kauffman. Unless you have met (for example, in a class or a conference) and discussed the paper with him, mentioning a paper is a red flag.
  2. Only mentioning interest in AI and data science. While CritLab does do some research in AI, it is not our primary mission. If you want to work in AI, there are much better labs for you to join at Queen’s.
  3. Lying. If you, for example, say that I have been following you work for a long time but you are not already a part of the formal methods community, it is very unlikely that this is true.
  4. Using AI to write your email. It is fine to use spelling and grammar checkers, but having AI write the email and only lightly editing it wastes everyone’s time. Usually, it is pretty obvious when someone does this. If you are not confident in your writing skills, that’s okay. You can learn to write. But if you cut corners and use AI to generate your application email, that will be considered a problem with your integrity.

If you follow the application guidelines on this page, you will be considered for a position!