Purpose of the PostsÌý
Imperial Global Singapore, Imperial College London’s formal research and innovation entity in Singapore, is seekingÌý(Senior) Research FellowsÌýto join the exciting newÌýProgram Reasoning research project,Ìýan ambitious research programme developing the next generation of AI methods for reasoning about software, code, and formal systems.Ìý
Program ReasoningÌýsits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning. The project aims to advance how AI can support program understanding, verification, synthesis, and reasoning, with a particular focus on building robust, trustworthy, and scientifically grounded approaches. This includes exploring how modern machine learning methods can work alongside symbolic and formal reasoning techniques to address challenging problems in software and program analysis.Ìý
We are particularly looking for candidates with backgrounds in areas such as:Ìý
- Programming languages and software analysisÌý
- Formal verificationÌýand automated theorem provingÌý
- Neuro-symbolic AI, machine learningÌýand LLMsÌýfor codeÌýand reasoningÌý
- Trustworthy, interpretable, and reliable AI systemsÌý
As a member of theÌýProgram ReasoningÌýproject, the successful candidate will contribute to fundamental research on AI methods for program reasoning, while also helping translate these advances into practical tools, benchmarks, and research outputs that can influence both academia and real-world software engineering practice.Ìý
The project offers a unique opportunity to work onÌýcutting-edgeÌýproblems around the use of AI for rigorous reasoning about programs, combining theoretical depth with practical impact. We areÌýseekingÌýhighly motivated researchers who are excited by interdisciplinary work across AI and computerÌýscience, and who are keen to help shape a fast-moving and internationally important research area.Ìý
We welcome candidates who are self-motivated, collaborative, and enthusiastic about producing high-quality research.ÌýA strong publicationÌýrecord consistent with the candidate’s career stage is expected, alongside the ability to workÌýcreatively across disciplinary boundaries and contribute to a vibrant research environment.Ìý
The research programmeÌýrepresentsÌýa collaboration between the United Kingdom and Singapore and will be based atÌýImperial Global Singapore (IGS).ÌýCandidates will be employed by Imperial Global Singapore, a research division of Imperial College London, consistently ranked within the top 10 of the QS University Rankings. Candidates must be resident and based in Singapore, but there will be opportunities for research visits to Imperial’s London-based locations.Ìý
Informal enquiries areÌýgreatly welcome. You are encouraged to send an e-mail toÌýProf Cristian CadarÌýc.cadar@imperial.ac.uk, together withÌýan indicationÌýof your research interests and their alignment to the programme.ÌýÌý
Questions about the recruitment process, should go to the HR at Imperial Global SingaporeÌýhrigsingapore@imperial.ac.uk.Ìý
Contract Type: 1-yearÌýfixed termÌýin first instance, extendableÌýfor anÌýadditionalÌý3 yearsÌý(subject to probationÌýperiod)Ìý
Please attach a PDF file as “cover letter” with the following documents merged together:
- A two-page CV including a publication list.
- A two-page research statement which should indicate what you see are
interesting research issues relating to the above post, discuss your
research background, and explain why you think your expertise is
relevant. Generic research statements which do not address the points
above will likely lead to the application being dismissed.
- The names and contact information of two or three referees who can
provide letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts of all university and PhD results.
Key ResponsibilitiesÌý
MainÌýDutiesÌýÌý
- Take initiative in planning and conducting independent research aligned with the aims of theÌýProgram ReasoningÌýproject.Ìý
- Develop and apply suitable methodologies for research in areas such as AI for code, program reasoning, formal verification, automated reasoning, and machine learning for structured or symbolic data.Ìý
- Design, implement, and evaluate novel models, algorithms, tools, or benchmarks relevant to program reasoning and AI-assisted software analysis.Ìý
- Maintain highly organised,Ìýaccurate, and reproducible records of research activities, code, experiments, and results.Ìý
- Maintain and promote the highest standards of scientific integrity, rigour, and research ethics.Ìý
- Actively contribute to all aspects of theÌýProgram ReasoningÌýresearch programme, including theoretical, empirical, and collaborative work.Ìý
- Report research progress and outcomes internally and externally to project collaborators, funders, and the wider research community.Ìý
- Present findings to colleagues and at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.Ìý
- Publish research outcomes in high-quality refereed conferences and journals.Ìý
- Collaborate with academic and interdisciplinary partners to advance research ideas and support their translation into broadly useful methods, tools, or scientific impact.Ìý
- Contribute to the development of open research resources, such as datasets, benchmarks, software prototypes, or reproducible research artefacts whereÌýappropriate.Ìý
- Build andÌýmaintainÌýresearch collaborations within Imperial College London and with external collaborators in the wider AI, programming languages, and formal methods communities.Ìý
- Promote the visibility and reputation of theÌýProgram ReasoningÌýproject and the host research group through excellent research, engagement, and professional representation.Ìý
- Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and funding applications to support the future development of the project.Ìý
- Participate actively in group meetings, reading groups, internal seminars, and project workshops.Ìý
- Contribute to the smooth running of the research group and project activities, including collaborative planning and knowledge sharing.Ìý
- AssistÌýin the supervision and mentoring of students, interns, or junior researchers whereÌýappropriate.Ìý
- Keep up to date with relevant scientific literature and emerging developments in AI, program reasoning, formal methods, and related areas.Ìý
- Comply withÌýinstitutional policies and procedures, including those relating to research governance, data management, and responsible research practice.Ìý
- Undertake any other dutiesÌýreasonably requested by the Principal Investigator or project leads in support of theÌýProgram ReasoningÌýresearch programme.Ìý
Other Duties
- Undertake any necessary training and/or development
- Undertake appropriate administration tasks
- Attend relevant meetings
- Observe and comply with all IGS policies and regulations, including the key policies and procedures on:
– Confidentiality,
– Conflict of Interest
– Business Continuity
– Data Protection
– Equal Opportunities
– Ethics related to scientific conduct and to considerations of patient data, where appropriate
– External Interests
– Financial Regulations
– Health and Safety
– Use of Information Technology
– Policies regarding smoking and e-cigarettes
– Undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out by IGS
Positions are based in Singapore at Imperial Global Singapore at the National Research Foundations Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) located on the campus of the National University of Singapore
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial Global Singapore is committed to equality and values diversity. IGS adheres to Imperial Values and Behaviours framework.
Person Specification
Requirements
Candidates/post holders will be expected to demonstrate the following Essential (E) / Desirable (D)
Education
a PhD (or equivalent)Ìýin computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, programming languages, formal methods, mathematics, or a closely related discipline; (E)
At Senior Research Fellow: 2 to 5 years of post-doctoral research inÌýan area relevant to the Program Reasoning ProjectÌý(E)
Experience
Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevantÌýpeer reviewed conference and/orÌýjournals. (E)
Strong publicationÌýrecordÌýcommensurateÌýwith the candidate’s career stage (E)
Significant experienceÌýinÌýa topicÌýrelevant to theÌýresearch programme; by way of illustration, such topics might include:Ìý(E)
- Programming languages and software analysisÌý
- Formal verification and automated theorem provingÌý
- Neuro-symbolic AI, machine learning and LLMs for code and reasoningÌý
- Trustworthy, interpretable, and reliable AI systems
Experience in the design, implementation, evaluation, and interpretation of computational experiments and scientific data. (E)
Practical experience in one or more of the following tools, techniques, or areas:Ìý(E)
- Deep learning and modern machine learning frameworksÌý
- Formal methods and verification toolsÌý
- Reasoning over code, logic, or symbolic systemsÌý
- Benchmarking and evaluation of AI systemsÌý
- Software tool development for researchÌý
- Reproducible and open research practices Ìý
Experience of strongly interdisciplinary research, particularly across AI and core areas of computer science. (D)
Experience of collaborating on research software, shared codebases, or open-source tools. (D)
Experience of working with and supervising students on undergraduate and/or postgraduate research projects (D)
Knowledge
Knowledge of research methods relevant to AI and computer science. (E) 
Knowledge of machine learning methods, model evaluation, and experimental design. (E) 
Knowledge of one or more of the following areas: program analysis, formal reasoning, automated verification, theorem proving, programming languages, or AI for code. (E) 
Knowledge of methods for developing, analysing, and evaluating computational models and algorithms. (E) 
Knowledge of trustworthy, reliable, and interpretable AI methods. (D)Ìý
Knowledge of current research trends in AI for program reasoning and related fields. (D) 
Skills & Abilities
Ability to conduct detailed and critical reviews of recent literature. (E)
Ability to develop and apply new research ideas, methods, and concepts. (E) Ìý
A creative and rigorous approach to problem-solving. (E)Ìý
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers fromÌýdifferent backgrounds. (E)
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write for scientific publication to achieve impact. (E)
Ability to contribute to or lead research activities, and to help motivate others to produce work to a high standard. (E)
Ability to organise and manage own research with a high degree of independence. (E)
Ability to prioritise work effectively in response to project needs and deadlines. (E)
A skill set aligned with at least one of the core research areas of theÌýProgram ReasoningÌýproject.Ìý(E)
Strong programming skills relevant to AI and computational research.Ìý(E)
Other
ÌýWillingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperativeÌý(E)
A flexible attitude towards workÌý(E)
High levelÌýof disciplineÌýand regard for confidentiality and securityÌýat all timesÌý(E)
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the roleÌý(E)
Willingness to travel both within theÌýSingapore and to the United Kingdom,ÌýandÌýother destinations asÌýrequiredÌýto conductÌýandÌýdisseminateÌýresearchÌý(E)
Willingness to work out of normal working hours to accommodate theÌýtime zoneÌýdifference between Singapore and UK.Ìý(E)
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand.Ìý(D)
Imperial Global Singapore is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
3) Communicate regularly and effectively within and across teams
4) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
5) Deliver positive outcomes
6) Develop and grow skills and expertise
7) Work in a planned and managed way
Employees are also required to comply with all IGS policies and regulations, paying special attention to:
• Confidentiality
• Conflict of Interest
• Data Protection
• Equal Opportunities
• Financial Regulations
• Health and Safety
• Information Technology
• Smoking
• Private Engagements and Register of Interests
• The regulations of CREATE Tower and of Singapore
They must also undertake specific training and assume responsibility for safety relevant to specific roles, as set out on theÌý
College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page.
IGS observes theÌýSan-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA),Ìýwhich means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published.ÌýÌý
IGSÌýbelieves that the use of animals in research is vital to improve human and animal health and welfare. Animals may only be used in research programmes where their use is shown to be necessary for developing new treatments and making medical advances.ÌýIGSÌýis committed to ensuring that, in cases where this research isÌýdeemedÌýessential, animals in are treated with full respect, and thatÌýany and allÌýstaff involved with this work showÌýdue considerationÌýat every level.ÌýFor further details, applicants are directed to:ÌýÌý
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-integrity/animal-research/ Ìý