Formal Verification Scientist (Lean 4 & Mathlib) in Birmingham

Formal Verification Scientist (Lean 4 & Mathlib) in Birmingham

Birmingham Freelance 40 - 60 £ / hour (est.) Working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Translate complex mathematical proofs into machine-verifiable Lean 4 formats and collaborate on innovative AI projects.
  • Company: Join Alignerr, a leader in cutting-edge AI research and formal verification.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work, competitive pay, and the chance to shape the future of AI.
  • Other info: Work with top researchers and enjoy freelance autonomy while tackling challenging problems.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging the gap between human reasoning and machine verification.
  • Qualifications: Master's degree in Mathematics or related field, with strong proof writing skills and Lean experience.

The predicted salary is between 40 - 60 £ per hour.

What if your deep mathematical training could directly shape how AI understands and reasons about formal proof? We're looking for Formal Verification Scientists to translate advanced mathematical arguments into machine-verifiable Lean 4 proofs — working at the very frontier of what proof assistants can express, capture, and automate. This is a fully remote, flexible contract role built for mathematicians who love rigorous proof construction and want to work on problems that matter. If you find satisfaction in taking a dense, elegant human argument and expressing it in a form a machine can verify — this role was made for you.

What You'll Do

  • Translate informal mathematical proofs into precise, machine-verifiable formalizations in Lean 4.
  • Analyze generic and domain-specific proofs to identify gaps, hidden assumptions, and formalizable sub-structures.
  • Construct formalizations that push the limits of existing proof assistants — especially where automated tools struggle or fail.
  • Develop highly readable, reproducible proof scripts aligned with mathematical best practices and Lean idioms.
  • Collaborate with researchers to design, refine, and evaluate strategies for improving formal verification pipelines.
  • Provide guidance on proof decomposition, lemma selection, and structuring techniques for formal models.
  • Investigate where automated provers break down and clearly articulate why — complexity, missing lemmas, insufficient libraries, and beyond.
  • Create Lean proofs that surface deeper patterns or generalizations implicit in the original mathematics.

Who You Are

  • Hold a Master's degree or higher in Mathematics, Logic, Theoretical Computer Science, or a closely related field.
  • Strong foundation in rigorous proof writing and mathematical reasoning across areas such as algebra, analysis, topology, logic, or discrete mathematics.
  • Hands‑on experience with Lean (Lean 3 or Lean 4), Coq, Isabelle/HOL, Agda, or a comparable formal system — Lean strongly preferred.
  • Genuinely enthusiastic about formal verification, proof assistants, and the future of mechanized mathematics.
  • Able to translate informal arguments into clean, structured, formally correct proofs.
  • Mathematically mature problem‑solver who appreciates precision, structural beauty, and the challenge of bridging gaps automated tools can't yet close.

Nice to Have

  • Familiarity with type theory, the Curry–Howard correspondence, and proof automation tools.
  • Experience with large‑scale formalization projects such as Mathlib.
  • Exposure to theorem provers where automated reasoning frequently fails or requires manual scaffolding.
  • Prior experience with data annotation, data quality, or evaluation systems.
  • Strong communication skills for explaining formalization decisions, edge cases, and reasoning strategies.

Why Join Us

  • Work on cutting‑edge AI projects alongside leading research labs.
  • Fully remote and flexible — work when and where it suits you.
  • Freelance autonomy with the structure of meaningful, technically demanding work.
  • Contribute directly to how AI systems learn to reason about advanced mathematics.
  • Exposure to frontier LLM research and how formal verification intersects with AI training.
  • Potential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch.

Formal Verification Scientist (Lean 4 & Mathlib) in Birmingham employer: Alignerr Corp.

Alignerr is an exceptional employer for Formal Verification Scientists, offering a fully remote and flexible work environment that empowers mathematicians to engage in meaningful and technically demanding projects at the forefront of AI research. With a strong emphasis on autonomy and collaboration, employees have the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative advancements in formal verification while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture that values rigorous proof construction and continuous growth.

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Contact Details:

Alignerr Corp. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Formal Verification Scientist (Lean 4 & Mathlib) in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow mathematicians and researchers in your field. Join online forums or social media groups where discussions about formal verification and Lean take place. You never know who might have a lead on a job opportunity!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio of your best formal proofs and projects using Lean 4. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table. Make sure to share it when you apply through our website!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to formal verification and proof assistants. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as communication is key in this field. We want to see how you can articulate your thought process!

Tip Number 4

Stay updated with the latest trends in AI and formal verification. Follow relevant blogs, attend webinars, and participate in workshops. This shows your passion for the field and keeps you ahead of the curve when discussing your ideas with potential employers.

We think you need these skills to ace Formal Verification Scientist (Lean 4 & Mathlib) in Birmingham

Mathematical Reasoning
Formal Proof Construction
Lean 4
Proof Writing
Rigorous Analysis
Proof Decomposition
Lemma Selection

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Mathematical Skills:Make sure to highlight your deep mathematical training and any relevant experience with formal verification. We want to see how you can translate complex arguments into machine-verifiable proofs, so don’t hold back!

Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your proof-writing experience and any tools you've used, like Lean or Coq. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Alignerr Corp.

Master the Basics of Lean 4

Before your interview, make sure you brush up on your Lean 4 skills. Familiarise yourself with its syntax and idioms, as well as any recent updates or features. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used Lean 4 in past projects will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.

Showcase Your Mathematical Maturity

Prepare to discuss your experience with rigorous proof writing and mathematical reasoning. Think of examples from your academic or professional background where you translated complex arguments into formal proofs. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between informal and formal mathematics, which is crucial for this position.

Understand the Role's Challenges

Research common pitfalls in formal verification and automated reasoning. Be ready to articulate where automated tools struggle and how you would approach these challenges. This shows that you not only understand the theoretical aspects but also the practical implications of the work you'll be doing.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team’s current projects, their approach to proof decomposition, and how they tackle gaps in automated provers. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.