Safe Agentic/LLM Reasoning via Formal Verification

About the Project

The target is to explore novel synergies among natural language-based Human-AI interaction, nature-inspired optimization and exploration, the social impacts of Human-AI cooperation on team dynamics, and advanced machine learning in the engineering domain. Generative AI substantially changes the way engineers interact with and benefit from AI and access domain-specific knowledge, marking a phase transition that not only enhances the productivity of engineering teams but also expands the complexity of solvable design problems.

We have two exciting PhD positions at the intersection of formal software verification and Large Language Model (LLM) safety, focusing on extending state-of-the-art logic-based automated reasoning tools such as ESBMC (https://github.com/esbmc/esbmc) to address safety and reliability challenges in agentic reasoning systems. Successful candidates will investigate novel approaches that use abstract interpretation, model checking, constraint programming, and fuzzing techniques to ensure safety and reliability in LLM-powered agentic systems.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is April 2026.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.