Senior Research Fellow on Agentic AI and VerificationUniversity
Fixed-Term until 30/11/2027
Interview Date: Thursday 17 September 2026
The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education & research.
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The role
We are looking to recruit two Senior Research Associates at the University of Surrey for a new project on formal verification, seL4 security & AI-assisted theorem proving, funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA):
https://agentic-sel4.github.io/
The project, joint with Andrei Popescu at the University of Sheffield and Toby Murray at the University of Melbourne, has two closely connected aims. First, we will develop a formally verified reference monitor on top of seL4 for the secure containment of AI agents, including mechanisms for dynamically controlling agents’ capabilities and information flows. Second, we will investigate the use of modern AI techniques to accelerate large-scale formal verification, including AI proof agents for maintaining, extending and refactoring the seL4 Isabelle/HOL proof base.
The Surrey positions are full-time fixed-term until November 2027. We have substantial funding for access to state-of-the-art AI models and computing infrastructure.
About you
We are interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of interactive theorem proving, formal verification, information-flow security, seL4, neurosymbolic AI, and AI-assisted reasoning. Candidates do not need to cover all these areas: the researchers can focus on different parts of the project according to their expertise.
Particular preference will be given to candidates with strong Isabelle/HOL expertise (or substantial experience with related interactive theorem provers), and to candidates who are available to start as soon as possible. We would also be very interested in hearing from excellent Isabelle researchers who may be at an earlier career stage than would normally be expected for a Senior Researcher position.
There will also be closely related positions at our partner institutions.
For opportunities at the University of Sheffield, please contact Andrei Popescu ([email protected]);
For opportunities at the University of Melbourne, please contact Toby Murray ([email protected]).
How to apply
To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.
For informal queries about the role, please contact Professor Brijesh Dongol via [email protected].
Interviews will take place on 17th September.
Further details
For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'Apply' button above.
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.