Assistant Professor Machine Learning Formal Reasoning and Verification

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The TCS-group of the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam is looking for an Assistant Professor to work on machine learning for formal reasoning and verification.

The position of Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent, UD) will be embedded within the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC). The ILLC promotes curiosity-driven research and serves as a meeting point for computer scientists from traditional research fields ranging from AI, computer science, and mathematics to linguistics, cognitive science, and philosophy.

The ILLC's scientific mission is to study the formal properties of information—namely, the fundamental structure and characteristics of processes involved in encoding, transmitting, and understanding information. The latter concept should be understood in the broadest sense: it encompasses not only the mathematical and algorithmic properties of formal languages, but also information flow in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and in human cognitive activities such as reasoning.

We are seeking candidates working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and formal reasoning. Relevant areas include, but are not limited to, automated reasoning, interactive theorem proving systems, formal verification, formalized mathematics, neuro-symbolic methods, and AI-assisted mathematical or logical reasoning.

We particularly welcome candidates whose work connects modern AI and machine learning with formal proof systems, interactive theorem provers, or proof assistants such as Lean, Rocq, or Isabelle. At the same time, we also encourage applications from researchers whose work engages more broadly with logic, reasoning, and theoretical computer science.

• A PhD in a relevant field, such as AI, logic, computer science, or mathematics;
• Excellent research skills, demonstrated by a track record of publications in reputable international journals or conference venues in one of the above-mentioned fields, as well as contributions to and/or invited talks at international conferences and workshops;
• Ability to develop an independent line of research within their area of expertise;
• A strong affinity with the ILLC's multidisciplinary environment and enthusiasm for participating in interdisciplinary research;
• Demonstrable academic teaching skills in one of the above-mentioned fields;
• Possession of the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ/BKO), or willingness to obtain it within the first two years;
• Ideally, some experience in (co-)supervising BSc, MSc, and/or PhD students;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ideally, a track record of contributing to research valorisation and outreach activities in research and education.

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 18 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. A permanent contract follows in case of a positive performance assessment.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 4,925 to € 6,682 (scale 11). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Assistant Professor is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation is home to a thriving community of scholars, including philosophers, logicians, mathematicians, computer scientists, linguists, musicologists, and cognitive scientists, who share a fascination with the interdisciplinary study of information. At the ILLC we combine the problem solving skills from the sciences with the holistic and reflective view of the humanities to discover the principles that regulate information processing and find answers to some of the hardest challenges of our time.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Dr. B.D. ten Cate (B.D.tenCate)

We value diversity; women and other members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all listed criteria.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details:national knowledge security guidelines)