Research Assistant/Associate in Interactive Proof Assistants (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Department of Computer Science and Technology, West Cambridge 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance. The anticipated start date will be September 2026, subject to agreement. 

The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department that encompasses computer science along with many aspects of engineering, technology and mathematics. We have a worldwide reputation for academic research with consistent top research ratings. The Department has an open and collaborative culture, supporting revolutionary fundamental computer science research, strong cross-cutting collaborations internally and externally, and ideas which transform computing outside the University. Please follow the link at: https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk to find out more about our department. 

We invite applications for a Research Associate to join the New Spaces for Denotational Semantics project. The New Spaces project aims to develop an axiomatic framework for higher-dimensional synthetic mathematics unifying the domain theoretic semantics of programming languages with higher category theory. In its final phase, the project will focus on the development of a new interactive proof assistant to support this axiomatisation. 

This position will involve working with Dr Jon Sterling and other project collaborators. 

The role holder will be leading the development of a new proof assistant for neutral constructive mathematics in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. In addition, you will be expected to contribute to open-source software that will assist with this project and future ones in this area, as well as write up research work for presentation and publication in appropriate venues (including conferences, journals, and blogging). 

The successful candidate will hold, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in Computer Science or a closely related discipline, or possess equivalent professional experience.  Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. 

They should also have a track record of research and engineering excellence and innovation in a subset of the following topics: 

• State-of-the-art algorithms used in the implementation of dependent
• type theory, including but not limited to: normalisation by evaluation,
• glued evaluation, bidirectional elaboration, stable elaboration,
• higher-order dynamic pattern unification, etc 
• Performance analysis and optimisation of interactive proof assistants. 
• Homotopy type theory and univalent foundations. 
• The mechanisation of mathematics in type theory using proof assistants such as Agda, Rocq, Lean, or Isabelle; design of libraries for mathematics. 

Further information on the requirements for the role can be found in the further particulars. 

In addition to the base salary stated above, the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Please provide a CV and covering letter. If you upload any additional documents which haven't been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

Please note that we provide the support of applying for the relevant visa (if required) and we reimburse the cost of the first visa.

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