Philipp Joram

Talinn University of Technology (TalTech) is offering a PhD project titled Provably correct efficient tensor processing and containers . The project sits at the intersection of programming languages, type theory, category theory, certified programming, and high-performance tensor computation. The research motivation is that tensor processing is central to machine learning and quantum computation, but performance is often limited by data movement and the complexity of mapping mathematical tensor operations efficiently onto modern hardware. The project explores the use of containers , a formalism from functional programming and type theory for representing data structures and transformations, as a basis for provably correct tensor processing. The research will investigate extensions of container theory and implementations, including support for algebraic structure on data and data structures such as commutative monoids and semirings, as well as explicit reasoning about data layouts and movement. The project also relates to tensor programming ecosystems such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and JAX, and to correctness-oriented frameworks such as ATL. The student’s primary responsibility is research. There may also be opportunities to contribute to teaching as a course assistant. The position is hosted in the Department of Software Science, within the School of Information Technologies, an environment noted for strengths in programming language theory, logic, type theory, and category theory. Relevant research groups include the High-Assurance Software Laboratory, the Logic and Semantics Group, and the Lab for Compositional Systems and Methods. Eligibility is clearly stated: applicants must hold an MSc degree in computer science or mathematics. The ideal candidate should already be familiar with at least some of the project’s mathematical and computational foundations, including linear algebra, functional programming, computer architecture, type theory, category theory, program analysis, and certified programming. Strong programming ability is also expected. The application window runs from 2026-08-26 to 2026-09-26 . Applicants should use the provided application link and consult the PhD Admission homepage for admission information and submission instructions.