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Computer Sciences● OpenResearch staff⏰ 1 days leftPreview

Research Associate in Ethereum

Join a dynamic team to advance Ethereum consensus verification.

Best for:Best for researchers with a strong background in computer science and formal verification.

The University of Manchester · Northern England, United Kingdom · R2 · Recognised researcher
More professors at The University of Manchester
Ethereumformal verificationAI agentssoftware testingmodel checking
This is a research staff position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
1 days
Funding
Salaried
£37.7k–£46.0k/yr
Start date
flexible
Full-time
Location
Northern England
United Kingdom

Overview

The University of Manchester is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to innovative research in Ethereum. This role involves designing and developing AI agents and verification engines for formal verification and automated testing of Ethereum consensus specifications. The successful candidate will work within the Systems and Software Security Research Group, collaborating closely with Dr. Lucas Cordeiro. Applicants should be motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative research environment.

EthereumAI agentsformal verificationsoftware engineeringPythonC++model checkingblockchain

What you'll do

  • Enhance the Python frontend of ESBMC to model check the Ethereum consensus specification's reference implementation.
  • Develop new bounded model checking techniques for verifying safety and reachability properties.
  • Create AI agents that convert specification clauses into formal properties for the verification engine.
  • Establish workflows that utilize the verification engine to produce test suites linked to specific specification clauses.
  • Publish scientific articles on the verification engine, agent design, and test generation outcomes.

Requirements

Degree required: PhD in computer science or a closely related field

Language: English; proficiency not specified

Instruction: English

Publications: Track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields

Required skills
  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++
  • Knowledge of formal verification techniques such as model checking and SAT/SMT solving
  • Experience with AI agents for software engineering tasks
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Nice to have
Experience with bounded model checkers like ESBMC or CBMCFamiliarity with Ethereum consensus specifications or blockchain protocolsTrack record of peer-reviewed publications in formal methods or software testingExperience with coverage-guided test generation or fuzzingFamiliarity with Git-based version control

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
£37.7k–£46.0k/yr
Duration
Fixed term for 6 months
Programme
The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-15

Interested candidates should apply through the provided application link. Ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Cover letter
  • Research statement
↗Apply via form

Contact

Lucas Cordeiro· Research Group Leader

lucas.cordeiro@manchester.ac.uk

LC
Prof.
Lucas Cordeiro
Department of Computer Science
lucas.cordeiro@manchester.ac.uk
Lab
Systems and Software Security Research Group
The University of Manchester
United Kingdom
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