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PhD in Proof Systems for Modal Fixpoint Logics

Deadline: Monday 7 June 2021
Vacancy details of PhD in Proof Systems for Modal Fixpoint Logics
Publication date 12 May 2021
Closing date 7 June 2021
Level of education Master's degree
Hours 38 hours per week
Salary indication €2,395 to €3,061 gross per month
Vacancy number 21-345

Do you have the technical skills and the scientific interest to conduct cutting-edge research in logic? We are looking for a PhD candidate for a research project Derivation Systems for Modal Fixpoint Logics.

Many applications of modal logic, in particular in computer science, require the formalism to deal with various kinds of recursion. Modal fixpoint logics are extensions of basic modal logic that deal with the concept of recursion in an elegant and fundamental way by adding operators or connectives that can express recursive statements. Whereas semantic and computational aspects of these logics are by now reasonably well understood, the theory of proof systems for modal fixpoint logics has remained relatively underdeveloped.

The aim of the Derivation Systems for Modal Fixpoint Logics project is to develop a general and uniform theory of proof systems for modal fixpoint logics. Such a theory will extend that of basic modal logics with proof systems that allow for derivations that are circular or feature other mechanisms for dealing with the recursive nature of fixpoints. The envisaged methodology for designing and studying such proof systems will integrate insights from proof theory with ideas from the theories of automata, infinite games, and (co-)algebra.

The research project Derivation Systems for Modal Fixpoint Logics was awarded to Prof.Dr. Yde Venema by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in the ENW TOP grant programme. It is part of a larger project on proof systems for modal fixpoint logics, directed by Venema together with Dr. Bahareh Afshari.

You can obtain a more detailed description of the research project from Yde Venema.

What are you going to do

You will be expected to contribute to the project described above, and:

  • to complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
  • to present research results regularly at international workshops and conferences, and to publish them in conference proceedings and journals;
  • to participate in and to contribute to the organisation of research activities and events at the Institute, such as workshops and colloquia.

All PhD candidates at the ILLC furthermore are expected to make a small contribution to the institute’s educational mission, e.g., by working as teaching assistants for courses in their area of expertise and by assisting with the supervision of student research projects.

What do we require

  • a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Logic, Theoretical Computer Science or Mathematics;
  • an excellent academic track record;
  • a serious interest in pursuing fundamental research;
  • good writing and presentation skills;
  • good social and organisational skills;
  • full professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
  • Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for this position, nor is it required for being able to live in Amsterdam. However, PhD candidates at the ILLC have the opportunity to attend Dutch language classes if they wish.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. 

Preferred starting date: 1 September 2021

The salary will be € 2,395 to € 3,061 (scale P) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

About us

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) is a research institute at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate. Its central research area is the study of fundamental principles of encoding, transmission and comprehension of information. Research at ILLC is interdisciplinary, and aims at bringing together insights from various disciplines concerned with information and information processing, such as logic, mathematics, computer science, linguistics, natural language processing, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, music cognition, and philosophy.

Questions

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact one of the supervisors:

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 7 June 2021. You can apply online by using the link below. 

Applications in .pdf should include the following information (in one single pdf file; please upload this file in the mandatory CV field):

  • a cover letter, including a description of your research interests and an explanation for why you are applying for this position (at most two pages);
  • a detailed curriculum vitae (CV);
  • a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;
  • a link to a writing sample available online, such as a Master’s thesis, a term paper, or a publication (in case of joint authorship, please clearly indicate your own contribution);
  • the names, affiliations, and email addresses of two or (at most) three people we can contact for letters of reference for you.

Please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience.

Only applications that conform to these instructions are ensured full consideration by the search committee. In particular, please do not submit more than one file.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews in the third week of June.

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Please note that this newsitem has been archived, and may contain outdated information or links.