Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) in Oxford
Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4)

Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 54 - 120 ÂŁ / hour (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Translate mathematical proofs into machine-verifiable formats and collaborate on innovative AI projects.
  • Company: Alignerr, a leader in AI research partnerships.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, flexible remote work, and potential for contract extension.
  • Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and shape the future of mechanized mathematics.
  • Qualifications: Master’s degree in Mathematics or related field and experience with formal proof languages.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for global collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 54 - 120 ÂŁ per hour.

At Alignerr, we partner with the world’s leading AI research teams and labs to build and train cutting‑edge AI models.

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.
  • 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; someone who finds satisfaction in taking a dense, elegant human argument and expressing it in a form that a machine can understand. You appreciate precision, structural beauty, and the challenge of resolving gaps that automated tools cannot yet bridge.

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.

Application Process

  • Submit your resume.
  • Complete a short screening.
  • Project matching and onboarding.

Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.

Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) in Oxford employer: Alignerr

Alignerr is an exceptional employer for those passionate about the intersection of mathematics and computer science, offering competitive pay and the flexibility of remote work. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation as you engage with cutting-edge AI projects, while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and the autonomy to shape your own freelance journey.
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Contact Detail:

Alignerr Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) in Oxford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and formal methods space. Attend relevant webinars or meetups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with Lean or other proof assistants. Include examples of your formal proofs and any projects you've contributed to. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to formal verification and proof construction. Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely. We want to see how you tackle problems, so be ready to demonstrate your reasoning skills!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we review applications daily, so you won’t be left waiting around. Get your application in and let’s get the ball rolling!

We think you need these skills to ace Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) in Oxford

Rigorous Proof Construction
Formal Proof Languages
Lean (Lean 3 or Lean 4)
Mathematical Reasoning
Proof Writing
Formal Verification
Proof Decomposition
Lemma Selection
Structured Formal Proofs
Type Theory
Curry-Howard Correspondence
Proof Automation Tools
Communication Skills
Data Annotation
Evaluation Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Tailored Resume: Make sure your resume highlights your experience with formal proof languages, especially Lean. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or research!

Show Off Your Proof Skills: In your application, include examples of your work with formal proofs. We love seeing how you translate complex mathematical arguments into structured, machine-verifiable formats. It’s all about clarity and correctness!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate applicants who can communicate their ideas clearly, just like in formal proofs. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for formal verification shines through!

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 this exciting opportunity. We review applications daily, so get yours in!

How to prepare for a job interview at Alignerr

✨Know Your Lean Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in Lean 4 and any related proof systems. Brush up on your understanding of formal proof languages and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used them in past projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools, but that you can apply them effectively.

✨Showcase Your Mathematical Maturity

Prepare to discuss your experience with rigorous proof writing and mathematical reasoning. Be ready to explain complex concepts clearly and demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenging proofs in the past. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to communicate intricate ideas.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions that dive deep into formal verification and proof construction. Think about potential gaps or assumptions in proofs you’ve worked on and be prepared to articulate your thought process. This will help you stand out as someone who can critically analyse and improve existing methodologies.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Since this role involves working closely with researchers, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team projects, especially in refining strategies for formal verification. This will show that you’re not just a lone wolf but a team player who values input from others.

Applied Formal Methods Researcher (Lean 4) in Oxford
Alignerr
Location: Oxford

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