PhD in Formal Verification with Intelligent Agents

About the FSTM

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to research how artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can help software engineers formally specify and verify software systems. State-based and machine-based formal methods (https://abz-conf.org/) are the primary areas of interest for producing formal specifications of the software system to be verified. To enhance the capabilities of these formal methods, the candidate will explore how AI agents can assist not only in auto-formalisation (such as automatically translating natural language into formal specifications) but also in discharging verification conditions including premise selection and proof generation. The successful candidate will be employed at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Luxembourg (UL). The person will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Jun Pang and Dr. Alfredo Capozucca.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research in the field of formal verification with AI agents
• Write a doctoral dissertation in computer science
• Presentation of research findings at workshops and conferences
• Publication of scientific papers in peer-reviewed conference proceedings and journals
• Moderate participation in teaching activities

Your profile

• Master's degree in computer science or a related field
• A background in formal specification and verification
• Strong background in programming
• A pro-active approach to achieving research excellence
• Commitment, team working and a critical mind
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English

We are seeking a candidate with a strong interest or background in one or more of the following areas:

• Formal specification and verification
• Theorem proving, familiar with proof assistants
• Machine learning and LLMs

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Full curriculum vitae including your current contact address, work experience, publications (if any)
• Motivation letter
• Transcript of academic records (including grades) and copies of diplomas
• Names and contact details of at least two references willing to write recommendation letters (they will be contacted by us)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07286

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).