<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> PhD position in the Foundations of Programming Languages <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science  at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the foundations of programming languages. The positions have a duration of 3 years for candidates who have completed a relevant MSc degree, or 4 years for candidates who have completed 1 year of relevant MSc studies. The hired candidates will be part of the section of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Programming Languages (ACP), an active, dynamic research group that combines bold research and a collaborative spirit.

The proposed starting time is August or September 2025. The appointment will be made at a competitive salary and will follow the PhD study programme at the Faculty of Science.
Application deadline: 18 June 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

The position is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), project “Abstract Techniques for Programming Languages and Secure Compilation”. The project builds on recent advances in Higher-Order Mathematical Operational Semantics, a pivotal generalization of Turi and Plotkin's seminal approach to structural operational semantics. We seek an apt and motivated PhD candidate, who will contribute to the development and implementation of the theory, and to applications in secure compilation. Further details on the planned research are summarized in the technical part of the project proposal, which can be provided by request.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is an inclusive and international working environment with state-of-the-art facilities and strong traditions for collaboration across sections, departments, and faculties, and with other educational institutions, municipalities, and industries. The degrees offered by the department include BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in computer science, a BSc in artificial intelligence, and an MSc degree in data science.

The project is supervised by Stelios Tsampas (stelios@imada.sdu.dk ) and Marco Peressotti (peressotti@sdu.dk ). Please send out any inquiries to the abovementioned email addresses.
Candidate profile
We are looking for highly motivated candidates interested in the foundations and the principles of programming languages. The ideal candidate has an MSc in Computer Science or Mathematics and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Theory of programming languages.
• Logical methods in computer science.
• Interactive theorem provers.
• Category theory (for computer science).

Fluency in English is required.

About the Department and the University
Based in Odense, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers an inclusive and international working environment with state-of-the-art facilities as well as a strong tradition for collaboration across departments and faculties, and with other educational institutions, municipalities, and industries. More than two thirds of faculty members come from outside of Denmark.

The University of Southern Denmark was founded in 1966 and now has more than 27,000 students, almost 20% of whom are from abroad. It has more than 3,800 employees, and 115 different study programs in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Its main campus is located in Odense, the third largest city in Denmark. Odense provides family-friendly living conditions with the perfect combination of a historic city centre with an urban feel and yet a close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the beautiful island of Funen is ideal with easy access by train or highway to the bigger cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen. As the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairy tale author, the city is home to a vibrant and creative population that hosts numerous festivals and markets throughout the year.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow can be in different types of programmes

• The 5+3 programme : Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three  years. Students who have completed their MSc. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period
• The 4+4 programme : Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for four years. It is for students who have not yet completed their masters degree (MSc).

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University .

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information.
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
• The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.   

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. 

 Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

 Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU " before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

 We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark  where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU .

• Job Identification 2894
• Job Category PH.D.
• Posting Date 05/21/2025, 09:40 PM
• Locations Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, DK
• Apply Before 06/18/2025, 10:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time