Call for applications: PhD Student in logic and/or the philosophy of mathematics

Call for applications: PhD Student in logic and/or the philosophy of mathematics

We are soliciting applications for a 3 year PhD scholarship (contrat doctoral ) in logic and/or the philosophy of mathematics to work on the FaTiLLaM project (Formalization as Translation in Logic, Language, and Mathematics) at the Archives Poincaré at the University of Lorraine (UL), France and the Center for the Advancement of Logic, its Philosophy, History, and Applications (C‑ALPHA) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), USA. The student will be co‑supervised by Andrew Arana (UL) and Kai Wehmeier (UCI).

The FaTiLLaM project

FaTiLLaM (Formalization as Translation in Logic, Language, and Mathematics) is a five‑year joint research project funded by the CNRS, the Université de Lorraine, and the University of California, Irvine, and jointly carried out by the Archives Henri‑Poincaré at UL and the Center for the Advancement of Logic, its Philosophy, History, and Applications (C‑ALPHA) at UCI. It consists of two principal axes: (1) the history of formalization from Thomas Aquinas to Richard Montague, and (2) the systematic investigation of methods of formalization as it occurs in the comparison of interpreted formal languages, logics, and mathematical theories, and bears on symbolic and neurosymbolic approaches to artificial intelligence.

PhD Topic

The PhD student will be working under the joint supervision of Prof. Andrew Arana (UL) and Prof. Kai Wehmeier (UCI) on a topic fitting into either of the two principal axes described above. The topic is otherwise open. Candidates must possess a master’s degree in philosophy, mathematics, theoretical linguistics, theoretical computer science, or a related area. We are especially interested in persons with substantial backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: mathematical logic, philosophical logic, history of logic, formal semantics (e.g., Montague Grammar), symbolic and/or connectionist artificial intelligence.

Starting date and salary

The starting date of the position is flexible: between September 2026 and January 2027. Gross remuneration will be about 2100 € per month.

Research environment

Although the PhD will be co‑supervised between the Archives Poincaré and C‑ALPHA, the student will be based at the Archives Poincaré, in Nancy, France. The student will also make a yearly visit to UC Irvine, and may host a yearly visit of researchers from UC Irvine to Nancy (including a one‑month visit by Prof. Wehmeier). There are no teaching responsibilities in this position, but regular participation in collective scientific activities (e.g., seminars) will be expected. The student will have access to all ordinary facilities (workspace, library, electronic resources, and research activities).

Qualifications and expectations

Prospective applicants should submit:

• Curriculum vitae including publications
• A brief statement of research interests including a description of the research project to be undertaken during the contract (up to 5 pages)