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- Tasks: Explore innovative AI interactions and enhance safety in agentic reasoning systems.
- Company: The University of Manchester, a leading research institution.
- Benefits: Tax-free stipend, tuition fees covered, and annual increases.
- Why this job: Join cutting-edge research in AI and make a real impact on technology.
- Qualifications: 2.1 honours degree or master's in relevant science or engineering.
- Other info: 3.5-year PhD studentship with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
The University of Manchester is offering two exciting PhD positions at the intersection of formal software verification and Large Language Model (LLM) safety. The focus will be on extending state-of-the-art logic-based automated reasoning tools such as ESBMC to address safety and reliability challenges in agentic reasoning systems.
Successful candidates will investigate novel approaches that use abstract interpretation, model checking, constraint programming, and fuzzing techniques to ensure safety and reliability in LLM-powered agentic systems.
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.
The start date is April 2026.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
- Applicants should follow the Mobility Rule: DCs have not been resident in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the last 36 months.
Preparatory Exercises for PhD Positions in Safe Agentic/LLM Reasoning via Formal Verification employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Preparatory Exercises for PhD Positions in Safe Agentic/LLM Reasoning via Formal Verification
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty at The University of Manchester. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express why you're excited about the research areas. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in the intersection of AI and engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of formal verification and LLM safety. We want to see that you can think critically about these topics during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at The University of Manchester.
We think you need these skills to ace Preparatory Exercises for PhD Positions in Safe Agentic/LLM Reasoning via Formal Verification
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the PhD positions. We want to see your passion for formal verification and LLM safety, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you've worked on projects related to AI, machine learning, or software verification, make sure to mention them! We love seeing how your background fits into our research focus.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and always explain your ideas clearly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in formal software verification and LLM safety. Brush up on concepts like abstract interpretation and model checking, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the research field. Talk about any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in Human-AI interaction or machine learning. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in the subject.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This could be about their current research projects or how they see the future of AI impacting engineering. It shows you’re engaged and thinking critically about the role.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your background and research interests. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time for the real thing!
