Assistant Professor Machine Learning for Formal Reasoning and Verification

University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 8%

Year-end bonus 8.3%

ABP pension

Job summary

University of Amsterdam invites applications for an Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent, UD) in the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC). The role focuses on machine learning for formal reasoning and verification, at the intersection of AI, logic, and mathematics.

You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community and contribute to research, teaching, and supervision, with a view to a permanent position after a positive review.

Qualifications

• PhD in AI, logic, computer science, or mathematics.
• Excellent publication record in reputable journals or conferences.
• Ability to develop an independent line of research.
• Affection for multidisciplinary research in ILLC.
• Teaching skills in relevant fields.
• UTQ/BKO or willingness to obtain it within two years.
• Ideally experience supervising BSc/MSc/PhD students.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Track record in valorisation and outreach.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent research program at the intersection of AI, machine learning, and formal reasoning.
• Publish high-quality research in international venues.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of BSc/MSc/PhD students.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration within ILLC and related departments.

Skills

Excellent research skills

Independent research

Teaching skills

Oral and written communication

Interdisciplinary affinity

Supervision of students

Education

PhD in AI, logic, computer science, or mathematics

UTQ/BKO or willingness to obtain within 2 years

Job description

Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting and do you want to be part of a thriving research community? Join us now!

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

The TCS-group of the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam is looking for an Assistant Professor to work on machine learning for formal reasoning and verification.

All About This Vacancy

The position of Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent, UD) will be embedded within the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC). The ILLC promotes curiosity-driven research and serves as a meeting point for computer scientists from traditional research fields ranging from AI, computer science, and mathematics to linguistics, cognitive science, and philosophy.

The ILLC’s scientific mission is to study the formal properties of information—namely, the fundamental structure and characteristics of processes involved in encoding, transmitting, and understanding information. The latter concept should be understood in the broadest sense: it encompasses not only the mathematical and algorithmic properties of formal languages, but also information flow in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and in human cognitive activities such as reasoning.

We are seeking candidates working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and formal reasoning. Relevant areas include, but are not limited to, automated reasoning, interactive theorem proving systems, formal verification, formalized mathematics, neuro-symbolic methods, and AI-assisted mathematical or logical reasoning.

We particularly welcome candidates whose work connects modern AI and machine learning with formal proof systems, interactive theorem provers, or proof assistants such as Lean, Rocq, or Isabelle. At the same time, we also encourage applications from researchers whose work engages more broadly with logic, reasoning, and theoretical computer science.

• A good salary Your salary will be determined on the basis of your experience and seniority, in accordance with the Labour agreement. Your grading and therefore the amounts mentioned are based on full employment of 38 hours per week.
• 232 vacation hours We also offer parental leave, partner leave and social engagement leave. Through the Employment Conditions Menu Card, there are opportunities for even more vacation hours.
• Financial arrangements On top of your salary, you receive holiday allowance (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%). You build up a good pension with ABP. And in addition, we offer many other allowances and schemes.
• Career development and room for growth The UvA encourages you to continue to professionalise through training courses and open UvA lectures.
• Family matters Relocating to the Netherlands with your family? Find out about daycare, schooling, health insurance or employment options and support for your partner or spouse. Including the IDCN-network which provides support for your spouse through various training sessions, social activities, and networking events.

This is what you will do

The position of Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent, UD) will be embedded within the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC). The ILLC promotes curiosity-driven research and serves as a meeting point for computer scientists from traditional research fields ranging from AI, computer science, and mathematics to linguistics, cognitive science, and philosophy.

The ILLC’s scientific mission is to study the formal properties of information—namely, the fundamental structure and characteristics of processes involved in encoding, transmitting, and understanding information. The latter concept should be understood in the broadest sense: it encompasses not only the mathematical and algorithmic properties of formal languages, but also information flow in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and in human cognitive activities such as reasoning.

Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant field, such as AI, logic, computer science, or mathematics;
• Excellent research skills, demonstrated by a track record of publications in reputable international journals or conference venues in one of the above-mentioned fields, as well as contributions to and/or invited talks at international conferences and workshops;
• Ability to develop an independent line of research within their area of expertise;
• A strong affinity with the ILLC’s multidisciplinary environment and enthusiasm for participating in interdisciplinary research;
• Demonstrable academic teaching skills in one of the above-mentioned fields;
• Possession of the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ/BKO), or willingness to obtain it within the first two years;
• Ideally, some experience in (co-)supervising BSc, MSc, and/or PhD students;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ideally, a track record of contributing to research valorisation and outreach activities in research and education.

This Is What We Offer You

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 18 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. A permanent contract follows in case of a positive performance assessment.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 4,925 to € 6,682 (scale 11). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Assistant Professor is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non‑Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.

Your place at the UvA

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

You will work in this team

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation is home to a thriving community of scholars, including philosophers, logicians, mathematicians, computer scientists, linguists, musicologists, and cognitive scientists, who share a fascination with the interdisciplinary study of information. At the ILLC we combine the problem solving skills from the sciences with the holistic and reflective view of the humanities to discover the principles that regulate information processing and find answers to some of the hardest challenges of our time.

More About The UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

We value diversity; women and other members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all listed criteria.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.