Research Associate in Learning to do Math with Vampires and Spiders

We are seeking two highly motivated and experienced Research Associates to join an established research group. These positions are part of the new project “Learning to do Math with Vampires and Spiders” awarded to the Computer Science Department of the University of Manchester, click here

The formal methods group conducts research in automated reasoning, with recent emphasis on solving problems in mathematics. We build the world leading automatic theorem prover Vampire, based on our research in theory, implementation and applications of theorem proving. Vampire won over 70 world championship titles in first-order and higher-order theorem proving.

Overall Purpose of the Job

There are two available positions. The corresponding research directions are:

1. Improving theory reasoning in Vampire, with the aim of enhancing its reasoning capabilities in math, including analysis, non-linear math and trigonometric functions.
2. Formalisation of math in a way suitable for completely automatic systems like Vampire

Position 1 requires knowledge of (automatic) first-order theorem proving and will involve programming Vampire.

The aim of direction 2 is understanding capabilities and limitations of modern automatic theorem provers for conducting textbook proofs in math. An ideal candidate for Position 2 should have knowledge of interactive theorem proving and be able to make experiments with Vampire.

When applying, please specify which of the positions you are applying to (1, 2 or both).

Manchester has a long and distinguished track record in the research and teaching of core Computer Science, and across interfaces to adjacent disciplines. Founded upon the pioneering work of Williams, Kilburn and Turing, we were the first academic Department of Computer Science in the UK and one of the first to run an undergraduate programme. Our research strength is reflected in consistently strong returns in UK research assessment exercises (5* in RAE 2000, 2nd in Research Power in RAE 2008, and ranked equal 1st for research environment in REF2014 and REF2021).

The Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The Department holds a Bronze Award for good practice in relation to gender including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We positively welcome applications from women for this post. For further information, please visit:

www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/equality-diversity/awards/athena-swan

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Our University is positive about flexible working

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Andrei Voronkov

Email: andrei.voronkov@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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