One full-time Postdoc position (m,f,x) for three years on Hyperproperties for Partially Observable Systems under Uncertainty (TV-L E14, 39.83 hours per week)

Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum; Hybrid; EUR 52.000 - 66.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Ruhr-Universität Bochum invites applications for a full-time Postdoc position (m,f,x) for three years in the area of hyperproperties for partially observable systems under uncertainty. The successful candidate will develop formal methods for specifying and verifying hyperproperties under uncertain, probabilistic settings.

This project combines formal verification, probabilistic model checking, quantitative reasoning and strategy synthesis to address information-flow security, privacy and

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Computer Science or Mathematics required.
• Excellent interpersonal and English communication skills.
• Experience in formal verification, probabilistic model checking, or related areas.

Aufgaben

• Conduct research in hyperproperties for partially observable systems under uncertainty.
• Support teaching by conducting exercises and organizing seminars and lectures.
• Establish and develop an independent line of research.

Kenntnisse

Formal verification

Probabilistic model checking

MDPs / stochastic games

Strategy synthesis

Hyperproperties

Information-flow verification

Quantitative reasoning

Uncertainty handling

Ausbildung

PhD in Computer Science or Mathematics

Master’s in CS/Math

Jobbeschreibung

One full-time Postdoc position (m,f,x) for three years on Hyperproperties for Partially Observable Systems under Uncertainty (TV-L E14, 39.83 hours per week)

The chair of Artificial Intelligence and Formal Methods at the Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany (headed by Prof. Dr. Nils Jansen) conducts broad foundational and application-driven research on decision‑making under uncertainty.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop formal methods for specifying and verifying hyperproperties of partially observable systems operating under uncertainty.The project combines techniques from formal verification, probabilistic model checking, quantitative reasoning, and strategy synthesis to analyze systems whose behavior depends on incomplete information and stochastic environments.The research is motivated by the growing need to ensure security and safety in autonomous, cyber‑physical, and AI‑enabled systems. Hyperproperties provide a powerful framework for expressing requirements such as information‑flow security, privacy, and consistency across multiple executions, while partial observability and uncertainty reflect the challenges of real‑world decision‑making systems. The project aims to advance verification and synthesis techniques for trustworthy systems with rigorous correctness guarantees.

Your tasks:

• The main task of this position is to conduct research in the research areas listed above
• Support of the chair’s teaching program in the form of conducting exercises and the organization of seminars and lectures
• Establishment and further development of an in‑house, independent line of research for the independent scientific investigation of topics and the establishment of an independent research perspective

Your profile:

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree and PhD in Computer Science or Mathematics
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English
• Background in one or more of the following areas:
  • Formal verification and probabilistic model checking
  • MDPs, stochastic games, and strategy synthesis
  • Hyperproperties and information‑flow verification
  • Quantitative reasoning and uncertainty‑aware verification

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team

We offer:

• challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility
• team‑oriented cooperation in a committed, international and appreciative team
• a friendly and collegial environment
• a dynamic environment
• employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L).If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade TV-L E14 TV-L.

Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en

The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact [e-mail].

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact persons for further information:

Öznur Takil+49 234-32-28579

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM

44801 Bochum

Universitätsstraße 150

Job details:

• Scope: full-time
• Duration: fixed-term,3 years
• Start: 01.01.2027
• Apply by: 2026-10-05