Research Fellow in AI-Assisted Formal Verification


Company:	University of Sheffield
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Sheffield, S10 2TN
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	23 Sept 2026
Closing date:	11 Oct 2026

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Summary

University of Sheffield

Are you interested in pushing the boundaries of formal verification, cybersecurity and AI? We are seeking an ambitious researcher to join a major new project funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), working at the intersection of Isabelle/HOL, the seL4 verified microkernel, information-flow security, and AI-assisted theorem proving.

The project aims to develop a formally-verified reference monitor on top of seL4 for the secure containment of AI agents. We will develop new mechanisms for dynamically controlling agents’ capabilities and information flows, together with machine-checked security guarantees. In parallel, we will investigate how modern AI techniques can accelerate large-scale formal verification, developing AI proof agents that can maintain, extend and refactor the seL4 proof base in Isabelle/HOL.

You will join a highly-collaborative international team spanning the Universities of Sheffield, Surrey and Melbourne, bringing together expertise in Isabelle/HOL, seL4, information-flow security, program logics and neurosymbolic AI. The project is exceptionally well-resourced, including substantial funding for access to state-of-the-art AI models and computing infrastructure.

We particularly welcome applicants with strong expertise in Isabelle/HOL or other interactive theorem provers, formal verification and security, or neurosymbolic AI and AI-assisted reasoning. Deep expertise in Isabelle/HOL will be especially valued, and we encourage outstanding Isabelle researchers to apply even if their career stage is less senior than might normally be expected for a Grade 8 research position.

You should have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in computer science or a closely related discipline, together with strong research expertise in at least one of the areas above and excellent programming and/or formalisation skills. Applications from exceptional candidates who are close to completing a PhD will also be considered.

The post is full-time and fixed-term until November 2027, starting as soon as possible. We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

For informal enquiries about the project or the positions, please contact Professor Andrei Popescu at A.Popescu@sheffield.ac.uk .

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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