May 27, 2013

PhD, Process Mining, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, DL. 25.

The Architecture of Information Systems (AIS) of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) and SAP AG are looking for a

***** PhD working on Process Mining in SAP *****

The AIS group is one of the leading groups in the exciting new field of process mining (www.processmining. org). Process mining techniques focus on process discovery (extracting process models from event logs), conformance checking (comparing normative models with the reality recorded in event logs), and extension
(extending models based on event logs). The work resulted in the development of the ProM framework that is widely used in industry and serves as a platform for new process mining techniques used by research groups all over the globe. Moreover, many of the techniques developed in the context of ProM have been embedded in commercial tools. See also www.processmining. org and the Process Mining book http://springer. com/978-3- 642-19344- 6 by prof. Wil van der Aalst.


Currently, there is a vacancy for a PhD working on a new and challenging process mining project in collaboration with SAP AG, the world leader in enterprise software and software-related services. Based on market capitalization, SAP is the world’s third largest independent software manufacturer. SAP is interested in adding
process mining capabilities to their software. Note with the development of HANA and various BI tools, SAP already invested in in-memory database technology and business analytics. However, to extend their analytics capabilities and to benefit from the omnipresence of SAP data, the project "Methods, Architecture, and Tools in Operational Process Mining" was started.

The project’s research will include a detailed analysis of data typically available in enterprise systems, evaluation of existing techniques in such settings, and the enhancement of process mining techniques. The collaborative
research project has been defined to advance the state-of-the- art in process mining and to make process mining better applicable and repeatable in an SAP context.

The project will be conducted in the AIS group under the supervision of prof.dr. Wil van der Aalst. The AIS group is part of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of TU/e. The candidate will be working within AIS and SAP and, therefore, will spend 75% in Eindhoven (The Netherlands) and 25% in Walldorf (Germany).

The Architecture of Information Systems group is doing research in the area of process modeling and analysis. The group is rated as one of the leading computer science groups in the Netherlands and TU/e often seen as the "epicenter&quo t; of BPM research. The group uses formal methods such as Petri nets to design, analyze, and implement dynamic systems. The group is well-versed in workflow management, process mining, and process verification. See www.workflowpatterns.com, www.workflowcourse.com, www.processmining.org, www.yawl-system.comwww.win.tue.nl/ais/, www.wvdaalst.com, and www.tue.nl for more information.

As the world's leading provider of business software, SAP (which stands for "Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing" ) delivers products and services that help accelerate business innovation for our customers. Today, customers in more than 120 countries run SAP applications – from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small businesses and midsize companies to suite offerings for global organizations.
Founded in 1972, SAP has a rich history of innovation and growth as a true industry leader. SAP currently has sales and development locations in more than 50 countries worldwide. SAP’s vision is for companies of all sizes to become best-run businesses. In today's challenging business environment, best-run companies have clarity
across all aspects of their business, which allows them to act quickly with increased insight, efficiency, and flexibility. By using SAP solutions, companies of all sizes – including small businesses and midsize companies – can reduce costs, optimize performance, and gain the insight and agility needed to close the gap between strategy and execution. Obviously, analytics and in particular process mining play increasingly an important
role in this. For more information please visit: www.sap.com or www.sap.nl.

Requirements:

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:
- a solid background in Computer Science and interested in process mining;
- knowledge of data mining and machine learning and/or process modeling and formal methods (demonstrated by a relevant Master);
- candidates from non-Dutch or non-English speaking countries should be prepared to prove their English language skills;
- good communicative skills in English, both in speaking and in writing;
- candidates that can speak German or Dutch have a preference;
- moreover, candidates are expected to realize research ideas in terms of prototype software, so software development skills are needed.

Note that we are looking for candidates that really want to make a difference and like to work on things that have a high practical relevance while having the ability to work in one of the strongest research groups in the world.

Appointment and salary:

The selected candidate will be formally appointed by SAP Nederland BV and will spend 75% in Eindhoven working for the AIS group and 25% in Walldorf working for SAP’s development and research team. The gross monthly salary of €3500 is higher than the regular salary for a PhD position. Moreover, there will be some compensation for the traveling costs between Eindhoven and Walldorf. The standard employment conditions of SAP Nederland BV apply.

Application:
Interested candidates are requested to send an application by e-mail to Ine van der Ligt (e-mail: wsinfsys@tue. nl) with the subject field "Process Mining Vacancy AIS".

The application should consist of the following parts:
- motivational letter;
- a curriculum vitae;
- copies of diplomas.

Applications should be received by June 25th 2013. In the application, candidates should relate their expertise to process mining research (cf. www.processmining. org) and describe their language and software Development skills.