Delft University of Technology
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5 days ago
Postdoc in Category Theory, Computer Proof Assistants, and Computer Algebra Systems Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Postdoctoral position at TU Delft with a 1-year contract, extensible to a maximum of 3 years. Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities; salary range €3706–€5760. 32–40 hours per week, 0.8–1.0 FTE.
Deadline
Nov 1, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology

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About this position
Postdoctoral research position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Programming Languages group, Department of Software Technology, working on the interface between category theory, computer proof assistants, and computer algebra systems.
The project aims to connect a proof assistant such as Rocq, Lean, or Agda with CAP (Categories, Algorithms, Programming), a software system for computational category theory implemented in GAP and part of the homalg project. The goal is to make categorical computations both efficient and formally verified, combining the strengths of proof assistants and computer algebra systems.
The postdoc will design and implement this connection, formalise the categorical doctrines underlying CAP, choose a faithful constructive formal treatment, and release documented open-source software. The role includes publishing results, presenting at conferences and workshops, contributing to open-source libraries, and potentially shaping the research direction according to the candidate’s interests and expertise.
The position is based at TU Delft and involves collaboration with Benedikt Ahrens in Delft and Mohamed Barakat at Universität Siegen, with regular exchange between the two groups. The environment connects formalisation and univalent foundations in Delft with computational category theory and the homalg/CAP ecosystem in Siegen.
Requirements: PhD in mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field by the start date (or submitted with a defence scheduled); research experience in at least one of interactive theorem proving/formalisation, computer algebra, or category theory; interest in the other two areas; practical programming ability; comfort with a substantial codebase; ability to work independently and across the maths/CS boundary; strong English; and willingness to contribute to student supervision and teaching.
Funding and conditions: 1-year contract, extendable up to 3 years; 32–40 hours per week; salary range €3706–€5760; benefits under the Dutch Universities collective agreement; pension via ABP; flexible working; leave hours; training opportunities; and partially paid parental leave.
Application: Apply online by 1 November 2026. Upload a CV, motivational letter, research statement, and optionally a teaching statement. Address the application to Benedikt Ahrens. The expected start date is ideally 1 March 2027, with later start dates possible.
Funding details
Postdoctoral position at TU Delft with a 1-year contract, extensible to a maximum of 3 years. Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities; salary range €3706–€5760. 32–40 hours per week, 0.8–1.0 FTE.
What's required
PhD in mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field by the start date, or submitted with a defence scheduled. Research experience in at least one of interactive theorem proving/formalisation, computer algebra, or category theory, shown by publications, a thesis, or substantial software contribution. Demonstrable interest in the other two areas and willingness to learn them to working depth. Practical programming ability, comfort with a substantial existing codebase, ability to work independently and collaborate across the maths/CS boundary, good written and spoken English, and experience or willingness to contribute to student supervision and teaching.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button no later than 1 November 2026. Upload a CV, motivational letter, research statement, and optionally a teaching statement. Address the application to Benedikt Ahrens; do not apply by email or post.
More information can be found here
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