PhD Formal Methods Safe AI

PhD Candidate on Formal Methods for Safe AI

Vacancy number: 16232
Job type:
PhD positions
Parttime in hours minus: 38
Parttime in hours max: 38

Location:

Leiden
Closing date: 1/21/26

Computer-aided verification of AI systems connects the fields of formal methods, machine learning and software engineering. It combines classical symbolic verification methods such as model checking and Boolean satisfiability solving as well as novel machine learning methods for safe and trustworthy AI. In this PhD project, you will contribute to open problems in the area through both theoretical and empirical research.

Potential research topics include but are not limited to, developing methods to guarantee that cyber-physical systems with deep learning components are safe and ensuring that software and hardware components are correct. This PhD project is at the intersection of verification and machine learning and covers both the analysis of software and cyber-physical systems and the analysis of learning-enabled systems.

The PhD student will be embedded in the Theory cluster at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, supervised by Dr. Emily Yu and Prof. Marcello Bonsangue at the Veritas lab. The successful candidate will conduct original and novel research developing verification, synthesis, and machine learning methods that ensure that digital, physical, probabilistic systems interacting with deep learning and neural network are formally guaranteed to be safe, publish and present scientific articles in top formal methods, AI/ML venues, contribute to educational activities as a (head) teaching assistant and finally write a PhD thesis detailing the outcome of the research activities.

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.

The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Creative Interactions, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands.

We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see https://.

• A Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Logic, or a highly related field;
• Analytical skills (e.g., strong background in Mathematics, Logic, and Algorithms)
• Strong programming skills (willingness to learn verification tool chains and develop software prototypes);
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written (Dutch is not required, but LIACS does subsidize optional Dutch language courses);

• A full-time position for the duration of one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years.
  This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between € 3.059,- and € 3.881,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Payscale P);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive…