PhD in Formal Languages: From Semantics to Syntax

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position on the systematic derivation of formal languages and their correctness—from semantics to syntax. The project aims to derive language syntax from mathematical meaning, using category theory and type theory, with verification in the Agda proof assistant.

You will be supervised by Dr. Benedikt Ahrens in the Department of Software Technology, participate in seminars and teaching, publish papers, and contribute to the university’s

Qualifications

• Masters degree in mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Experience in both category theory and theoretical computer science (e.g., type theory, logic or programming language semantics), or a strong motivation and ability to learn them.
• Experience with a proof assistant (e.g., Agda, Rocq or Lean) is a plus, but not required.
• Enjoyment of precise mathematical reasoning.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate across the maths/CS boundary;
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Willingness to contribute to, and possibly experience in, student supervision and teaching

Responsibilities

• conducting this research, both individually and as part of a team
• participating in scientific life at TU Delft and in the Netherlands, for example by attending and organizing seminars
• participating in scientific life more globally, including publishing papers and attending workshops and conferences
• contributing to teaching in computer science, providing the opportunity to gain teaching experience

Skills

Category theory

Theoretical computer science

English proficiency

Education

Masters degree in mathematics, computer science, or related field

Tools

Agda

Lean

Job description

Delft University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position on the systematic derivation of formal languages and their correctness—from semantics to syntax. The project aims to derive language syntax from mathematical meaning, using category theory and type theory, with verification in the Agda proof assistant.

You will be supervised by Dr. Benedikt Ahrens in the Department of Software Technology, participate in seminars and teaching, publish papers, and contribute to the university’s