Join XSL
We are recruiting PhD students for Fall 2027. We look for students who want to build measurement systems and run them on real infrastructure.
Background
Useful preparation, in rough order of importance:
- Systems programming: you have written and debugged a program that runs for days on a server.
- Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, and how a request reaches a cloud service.
- Data analysis with Python and SQL on datasets too large for memory.
Prior security research is welcome but not required.
PhD applicants
Apply to the Virginia Tech CS PhD program and name Eric Pauley in your statement.
You may also email contact@xsl.fyi with the subject line[XSL PhD]. Include your CV, one system or project you built (with a link), and a paragraph on what you would want to measure.
Virginia Tech students
Undergraduates and MS students can join for research credit or as paid assistants when funding allows. Plan on at least 10 hours a week for a full semester, and a systems or networking course first.
Email with the subject line [XSL VT], your transcript, and your availability.
Visitors
We host visiting students and researchers for projects that use our data or instruments. Email with the subject line [XSL visit] and a one-page project description.