At a Glance
- Tasks: Translate informal proofs into precise, machine-verifiable formalizations using Lean.
- Company: Join Alignerr, a leader in cutting-edge AI and formal verification.
- Benefits: Earn $70-$150/hr, enjoy remote work, and gain freelance flexibility.
- Why this job: Work at the forefront of mathematics and computer science, making impactful contributions.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in Mathematics or related field; experience with Lean preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate globally on innovative projects with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 52 - 110 £ per hour.
Join to apply for the Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) role at Alignerr. This range is provided by Alignerr. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $70.00/hr - $150.00/hr.
Location: Remote
Commitment: 10–40 hours/week
Role Overview
We are seeking mathematicians with deep training in rigorous proof construction and hands-on experience with formal proof languages, especially Lean. This role sits at the intersection of mathematics and computer science, focusing on translating human-written mathematical arguments into precise, machine-verifiable formalizations.
What You’ll Do:
- Translate informal mathematical proofs into Lean (and related proof systems) with an emphasis on clarity, structure, and correctness.
- Analyze generic and domain-specific proofs, identifying gaps, hidden assumptions, and formalizable sub-structures.
- Construct formalizations that test the limits of existing proof assistants, especially where tools struggle or fail.
- Collaborate with researchers to design, refine, and evaluate strategies for improving formal verification pipelines.
- Develop highly readable, reproducible proof scripts aligned with mathematical best practices and proof assistant idioms.
- Provide guidance on proof decomposition, lemma selection, and structuring techniques for formal models.
Sample Work You Might Do:
- Formalize classical proofs and compare machine-verifiable structures against textbook arguments.
- Investigate where automated provers break down, and articulate why (complexity, missing lemmas, insufficient libraries, etc.).
- Create Lean proofs that reveal deeper patterns or generalizations implicit in the original mathematics.
Requirements:
- 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 math.
- Hands-on experience with Lean (Lean 3 or Lean 4), Coq, Isabelle/HOL, Agda, or comparable systems, with Lean strongly preferred.
- Deep enthusiasm for formal verification, proof assistants, and the future of mechanized mathematics.
- Ability to translate informal arguments into clean, structured formal proofs.
Preferred:
- Prior experience with data annotation, data quality, or evaluation systems.
- Familiarity with type theory, Curry-Howard correspondence, and proof automation tools.
- Experience with large-scale formalization projects (e.g., mathlib).
- Exposure to theorem provers where automated reasoning frequently fails or requires manual scaffolding.
- Strong communication skills for explaining formalization decisions, edge cases, and reasoning strategies.
Ideal Candidate:
A mathematically mature problem-solver who enjoys working at the frontier of formal verification and expressing dense human arguments in machine-readable form.
Why Join Us:
- Competitive pay and flexible remote work.
- Collaborate with a team working on cutting-edge AI projects.
- Exposure to advanced LLMs and how they’re trained.
- Freelance perks: autonomy, flexibility, and global collaboration.
- Potential for contract extension.
Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) employer: Alignerr
Contact Detail:
Alignerr Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field on LinkedIn or at conferences. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with Lean and other proof systems. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to formal methods and proof construction. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it shows you really understand your stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Applied Formal Methods Researcher role. Highlight your experience with Lean and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Proof Skills: Since this role is all about rigorous proof construction, include examples of your work with formal proof languages. If you’ve tackled complex proofs or used Lean in innovative ways, let us know! We love seeing your problem-solving prowess.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alignerr
✨Know Your Lean Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Lean 4 and its nuances. Brush up on the syntax, common proof strategies, and any recent updates. Being able to discuss specific features or challenges you've faced with Lean will show your depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Proof Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to translate informal proofs into formal ones. Bring examples of your past work where you've successfully formalised mathematical arguments. This not only highlights your skills but also gives you a chance to discuss your thought process and problem-solving techniques.
✨Understand the Role's Challenges
Familiarise yourself with common pitfalls in formal verification and proof construction. Be ready to discuss where automated provers struggle and how you would approach these issues. This shows that you’re not just knowledgeable but also proactive in tackling real-world problems.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since the role involves collaboration and guidance, practice explaining complex concepts in a clear and structured manner. Think about how you would break down your formalisation decisions or reasoning strategies for someone less familiar with the topic. Good communication can set you apart!