Postdoctoral Researcher position in Neuro-Symbolic AgenticLLM Reasoning FM

Job Description

The Neuro-Symbolic AI Group at the IDIAP Research Institute operates at the interface between neural and symbolic AI methods aiming to enable the next generation of explainable data-efficient and safe AI systems. Our research investigates how the combination of latent and explicit data representation paradigms can deliver better learning and reasoning over data.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher for an initial project of 24 months (extendable depending on funds).

In partnership with a leading company in the field of Hardware verification we aim to develop a neuro-symbolic AI platform to convert informal digital design specifications into formally checkable verification artifacts with logical rigor traceability and iterative validation. The project combines the generalization capabilities of large language models with symbolic constraints and formal verification backends to ensure generated properties are auditable consistent and correct-by-construction (or corrected via proof / counterexample feedback).

You will lead research and prototyping of neuro-symbolic methods that translate heterogeneous requirements (text tables diagrams) into structured representations and formally checkable properties. This includes designing controlled reasoning pipelines that combine LLMs with symbolic constraints (typed logical forms DSL / IR design constrained decoding) integrating formal feedback loops (SAT / SMT / model checking counterexample- and proof-guided refinement) and developing mechanisms for semantic consistency assumption management and end-to-end traceability from specification fragments to generated SVAs and solver outcomes.

You will also help define benchmarks and evaluation protocols (correctness robustness coverage) publish at top-tier AI / ML venues and contribute high-quality research code.

Profile

This is an exciting opportunity for candidates who would like to work on the foundations of agentic reasoning in close dialogue with complex real-world problems.

Essential requirements :

• PhD (or near completion) in AI / ML / NLP Computer Science or related
• Strong research track record in neuro-symbolic AI / verifiable reasoning demonstrated by publications and / or impactful preprints / software
• Experience with at least one of :

1. LLMs for structured reasoning (autoformalization program synthesis semantic parsing tool-augmented / agentic workflows)

2. Symbolic methods (logic / constraints SAT / SMT theorem proving planning)

About Idiap

Idiap is a research institute of national importance that engages in fundamental research education and technology transfer in artificial intelligence. PhD students are formally registered at EPFL one of the leading Technical Universities in Europe.

Idiap offers competitive salaries and conditions in a dynamic and multicultural environment. Idiap is located in Martigny Valais a scenic region in the south of Switzerland surrounded by the highest mountains of Europe and offering exceptional quality of life exciting recreational activities including hiking climbing and skiing as well as varied cultural activities. English is the official working language.

At Idiap we place great emphasis on diversity and we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity to being fair and inclusive and to being a place where we all belong. Employment at Idiap is based solely on a persons merit and qualifications.

Required languages

Réf : bb08c53d-a3da-4224-b45f-15c67530e139

Required Experience :

Unclear Seniority

Key Skills

Intelligence Community Experience,Python,Spss,Microsoft Word,R,Regression Analysis,Windows,Stata,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Data Modeling,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1