Postdoc: Keystone Project (Machine-Verified LLM Inference)

Mission The Keystone project seeks to advance knowledge in the following domains: Formal verification and interactive theorem proving (Rocq, Lean) Secure and high-performance computer systems, including ML infrastructure We seek outstanding candidates working in formal methods and/or computer systems with interests in one or more of the following areas: machine-checked verification of systems software, GPU kernel semantics and verification, and AI-assisted proof engineering.

The position is part of an ARIA-funded collaboration between EPFL and Imperial College London whose goal is to build a formally-verified ML inference engine, demonstrating that AI can help make verified systems competitive with unverified systems in terms of development effort, features, and performance. Main duties and responsibilities Conducting research related to the Keystone project, including contributing to the design and construction of a machine-verified LLM inference engine.

The precise focus will be discussed with the successful candidate depending on their background, expertise and affinities. Possible directions include: Formalizing GPU kernel semantics (e.g., PTX/Triton) in a proof assistant and verifying high-performance inference kernels (numerical accuracy, memory safety, data race freedom, functional correctness) Implementing and verifying the inference coordination layer (batching, KV-cache management, scheduling) in Rocq/Lean, with extraction to executable code Developing agentic AI workflows for specification autoformalization, proof generation, and proof repair Build a strong network in the fields of formal verification, systems, and ML infrastructure, including close collaboration with the Imperial College London team (regular visits to London are expected) Contribute to open-source releases of specifications, proofs, and verified artefacts Engage with the ARIA programme, including red/blue team exercises and sprint reviews Profile PhD (or nearing completion of) in computer science or a closely related field Background in formal verification, programming languages, systems, or ML Research experience in one or more of: interactive theorem proving (Rocq, Lean, HOL, Isabelle, or similar), GPU programming or semantics, compilers, concurrency, or ML systems (e.

g., vLLM, SGLang, or similar inference engines) Strong computational and analytical skills, including solid software engineering ability across multiple languages (e.g., Python, C++, OCaml, functional languages) Experience using or evaluating LLM-based tools for code or proof generation is a plus Publication record (relative to your career stage) in internationally leading journals and conferences Independent, creative, and solution-oriented Excellent written and oral communication skills in English Strong motivation to explore new research domains at the intersection of AI and formal methods Good team spirit and enthusiasm for working in a distributed, multi-institution team We offer A stimulating and international working environment Excellent working conditions Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe, within a high-profile ARIA-funded project Opportunity to interact with internationally renowned experts at EPFL and Imperial College London, and with a strong team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students Generous access to frontier AI models and high-performance compute for proof-assistant workloads Funded travel for collaboration between Lausanne and London, and for conferences Informations Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered.

You are asked to supply: A brief cover letter (pdf, up to 2 pages). And in one PDF: A CV with a publication list. A research statement (pdf, up to 3 pages). Contact details for 3 referees. For any further information, please contact: Nate Foster (nate.foster@epfl.ch). More information can be found on https://laser.epfl.

ch/. Contract Start Date : 01.12.2026, or to be determined Activity Rate : 100.00 Contract Type: CDD Duration: 1 year, renewable (project duration permitting) Reference: 2476