PhD Position Systematic Derivation of Formal Languages and Their Correctness

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

PhD Position Systematic Derivation of Formal Languages and Their Correctness — From Semantics to Syntax

Formal languages, such as type theories and program logics, let us state and prove precisely what software should do. Today, each new language is designed by hand: experts invent the syntax, then check that it really means what it should. This is slow, and it has to be redone for every new problem. This project explores a different approach: start from the mathematical meaning of a language and derive the language itself from it, together with a proof that the two match. Several recent type theories were built this way, but each one with its own ad hoc techniques. Together, we want to find out whether there is one general recipe behind them. You will develop this theory using tools from category theory and type theory, and check your results in the Agda proof assistant. You will be supervised by Dr. Benedikt Ahrens in the Department of Software Technology at TU Delft.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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.

Job requirements

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• 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

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. There is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

• Hours per week: 36-38.
• FTE: 1.
• Relocation to the Netherlands is supported by the Coming to Delft Service, which offers information and organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your social network in Delft.
• A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. The assessment takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.