Senior Research Associate in Logic and Programming Languages for AI Safety

What will you be doing?

You will conduct high-quality research on logic and programming languages for AI safety, contributing original ideas and developing the theoretical and methodological aspects of the project. The role includes developing formal foundations, languages and methods for specifying and reasoning rigorously about the behaviour of software and AI systems, drawing on areas such as programming language theory, logic and category theory. Where appropriate, you will also design, implement and evaluate software tools that put these methods into practice, including through the use of agentic programming tools. You will write up research for publication in international venues, present findings at conferences and seminars, and collaborate with colleagues in the School of Computer Science and the wider Safeguarded AI research community.

About the role

The post is open-ended with fixed funding to 30 November 2027. It is based in the School of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, at the Merchant Venturers Building, Bristol.

Requirements

• PhD, near completion, or equivalent research experience in computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline.
• A strong research background in at least one of programming language theory, logic, category theory, formal verification, or a closely related area, evidenced by research outputs or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of independent research, strong analytical skills, and the ability to apply rigorous formal reasoning.
• The ability to communicate complex theoretical and technical information clearly, prepare research for publication, and present findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Experience with formal verification, type theory, proof assistants, session types, AI safety, or agentic programming tools would be desirable.

Qualifications

PhD, near completion, or equivalent research experience in computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline.

Skills

• Strong research background in at least one of programming language theory, logic, category theory, formal verification, or a closely related area.
• Experience with formal verification, type theory, proof assistants, session types, AI safety, or agentic programming tools.
• Ability to communicate complex theoretical and technical information clearly.

Benefits

Open-ended with fixed funding to 30 November 2027 (with no possibility of extension).

Pay

£43,482 – £50,253 per annum

Schedule

Full time/35 hours per week

Contract type

J/Pathway 2