PhD Candidate on Formal Methods for Safe AI

Computer-aided verification of AI systems connects the fields of formal methods, machine learning and software engineering. It combines classical symbolic verification methods such as model checking and Boolean satisfiability solving as well as novel machine learning methods for safe and trustworthy AI. In this PhD project, you will contribute to open problems in the area through both theoretical and empirical research. Potential research topics include but are not limited to, developing methods to guarantee that cyber-physical systems with deep learning components are safe and ensuring that software and hardware components are correct. This PhD project is at the intersection of verification and machine learning and covers both the analysis of software and cyber-physical systems and the analysis of learning-enabled systems.

What you will do
The PhD student will be embedded in the Theory cluster at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, supervised by Dr. Emily Yu and Prof. Marcello Bonsangue at the Veritas lab. The successful candidate will conduct original and novel research developing verification, synthesis, and machine learning methods that ensure that digital, physical, probabilistic systems interacting with deep learning and neural network are formally guaranteed to be safe, publish and present scientific articles in top formal methods, AI/ML venues, contribute to educational activities as a (head) teaching assistant and finally write a PhD thesis detailing the outcome of the research activities.

Where you will work
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Creative Interactions, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see https://www.cs.leiden.edu.

What you bring

• A Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Logic, or a highly related field;
• Analytical skills (e.g., strong background in Mathematics, Logic, and Algorithms)
• Strong programming skills (willingness to learn verification toolchains and develop software prototypes);
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written (Dutch is not required, but LIACS does subsidize optional

Dutch language courses);

What we offer

• A full-time position for the duration of one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years.
  This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between € 3.059,- and € 3.881,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Payscale P);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click on the application button in the vacancy.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr. Emily Yu, email: z.yu@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the application procedure, please sent an email to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Only applications received before Jan 21, 2026, 23:59 CET can be considered. Early applications are welcome, since this will help speed up the recruitment process, but all applications submitted before the deadline will be given equal consideration. Your application will be treated confidentially and will be assessed by researchers from the Theory Cluster at LIACS, Leiden University.