Research Fellow in Formal Methods for Robotics and AI Safety - School of Computer Science - 107[...] in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to October 2028

Closing date: 28th June 2026

Background

The position is part of a European Innovation Council Pathfinder project, which investigates safe, intelligent, and autonomous robotic systems. The successful candidate will join the research group of Sadegh Soudjani at the University of Birmingham and contribute to the development of mathematically rigorous safety and verification techniques for autonomous multi-robot systems. The project focuses on the development of safe‑by‑design methods by combining formal verification, control theory, logical reasoning, and AI‑enabled decision‑making.

Research topics include:

• Safety verification using barrier certificates
• Compositional verification using assume–guarantee contracts
• Temporal logic specification and verification
• Safe autonomy for multi‑agent robotic systems
• Computational techniques for trustworthy AI‑enabled cyber‑physical systems

The Research Fellow will collaborate with an interdisciplinary consortium involving robotics, AI, and control researchers across Europe. The role offers opportunities to publish in leading venues, contribute to open‑source software, support supervision of PhD students, and participate in the development of future research proposals.

Role Summary

The post‑holder will conduct research on formal verification, safe control, and logical reasoning techniques for autonomous robotic systems. The role will involve development of novel mathematical and computational methods for safety assurance of AI‑enabled cyber‑physical systems, including multi‑robot systems operating in dynamic environments.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research‑related activities and research‑related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research areas indicated below or equivalent qualifications/experience – Control Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Strong background in at least one of the following:

• Formal verification
• Control theory
• Robotics
• Cyber‑physical systems
• Temporal logic
• Hybrid systems
• Safe autonomy
• Optimisation‑based control or AI safety

Strong publication record relative to career stage. Experience with mathematical modelling and computational tool development. Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, Julia, or C++. Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and international collaborations. High level analytical capability. Ability to communicate complex information clearly. Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones. Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively. Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes. Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project. Co‑ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Professor Sadegh Soudjani, email: s.soudjani@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.