Research Fellow in Formal Verification - School of Computer Science - 106122 - Grade 7 at The University of Birmingham

Position Details

School of Computer Science

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2026

Closing date: 15th September 2025

Background

The School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham is inviting applications for a Research Fellow position focused on Machine Learning for Automated Formal Verification.

Machine learning has transformed programming, with code generation rapidly becoming standard practice. However, achieving formal assurance of software correctness remains a complex challenge. Seminal work in programming language semantics provides powerful frameworks for constructing correctness proofs, yet the standard symbolic methods face significant limitations in both expressivity and scalability.

This project proposes novel techniques for constructing formal proofs of the correctness of software and hardware systems using machine learning. Recent advances in neural certificates—such as neural model checking and neural termination analysis—have shown promising results in this direction. The project aims to develop a comprehensive approach to software verification grounded in neural certificate technologies.

Role Summary

The Research Fellow will play a crucial role within the Neural Software Verification project, funded via an Amazon Research Award. As a key contributor, they will work in close collaboration with Dr. Mirco Giacobbe (University of Birmingham) engaging in cutting-edge research in machine learning and automated reasoning for safe algorithmic systems.

The Research Fellow will be responsible for developing advanced theory and machine learning algorithms for automated software verification. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of formal methods and machine learning research, contributing to the foundational principles of how AI is applied to automated software and hardware verification. 

Main Duties

The Research Fellow will be responsible for developing advanced theory and machine learning algorithms for automated software verification. This role involves:

• Contribute to the research goals of the project through collaborative research, with guidance from mentors and a strong network of collaborators
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings at conferences and seminars and contribute to academic publications
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

This position is ideal for candidates eager to pursue a career in academia or advanced research, and who are encouraged to contribute their own independent research ideas to the project.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to formal verification, automated reasoning, machine learning, or equivalent qualifications
• Proven ability to publish in top-tier conferences and journals in AI, computer-aided verification, automated reasoning, or quantum computing
• Experience presenting research findings at seminars and conferences and ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Proficiency in programming, with knowledge of (or willingness to learn) machine learning software, automated reasoning tools, or quantum simulation platforms
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Dr. Mirco Giacobbe, email: [email protected] 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.