Formal Methods Research Scientist

About the Role

We are looking for exceptional individuals to build the innovative bridge that will lead to the next breakthrough in the world of AI: the link between AI and formal methods. With this bridge, we are developing new LLMs that do not hallucinate, are completely transparent, and consume a fraction of the costs of current LLMs. As a scientist with a strong background in formal methods, your role will be to structure and execute the research and development roadmap, along with experts from multiple fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive research innovation: Actively shape the company's research roadmap, exploring new leads in applied formal verification in collaboration with our scientific advisory board.
• Bridge theory and practice: Translate cutting‑edge research in formal methods into production‑grade systems, explaining complex technical concepts to customers and stakeholders.
• Stay at the forefront of formal methods and AI: Monitor cutting‑edge research in both fields, identifying emerging techniques and tools that could enhance our systems.
• Build strategic academic partnerships: Establish and execute collaborations with leading research laboratories in formal methods, creating mutually beneficial relationships that drive innovation.

Essential Qualities

• Visionary Researcher: You combine a deep passion for formal literature with the creative insight needed to apply complex, theoretical concepts to real‑world scenarios.
• Methodical Scientist: You possess the structural discipline and technical mindset required to architect and execute multifaceted research projects from inception to completion.
• Impact Driven: You excel at bridging the gap between theory and practice, with a natural talent for converting abstract research into functional, high‑impact implementations.
• Scientific Collaborator: You bring the academic rigor and operational efficiency necessary to foster long‑term lab partnerships and author scholarly articles that meet the highest professional standards.

Background

• PhD in formal methods, SMT solver, verification or related topic.
• Expertise with at least one theorem prover.

Required Skills

• Track record in formal software development: Proven experience developing formally verified software or using formal methods in software development.
• Adaptability and collaboration: Drive to stay current with emerging research, learn new methodologies, pivot research directions based on findings, structure R&D collaborations, and write scholarly articles.
• Technical communication: Skilled in articulating complex ideas clearly through scientific writing, presentations, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of SMT solvers: Deep understanding of both the theory behind SMT solving and hands‑on experience implementing or working with SMT solvers.

Bonus Skills

• Track record in applied formal methods.
• Proficiency in OCaml.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of LLMs.

Benefits

• Financial & perks
  • Competitive cash salary and equity (BSPCE) in a high‑potential company.
  • Health insurance (Alan) for you and your family (partner and kids).
  • Daily lunch vouchers (Swile).
• Hybrid work model with a strong emphasis on in‑office collaboration (typically 3–4 days per week at the office) to foster team cohesion, spontaneous discussions, and deep work together.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Founding team impact: Join as one of the first employees and shape the trajectory of a moonshot deep‑tech company.
• Mission‑driven startup: Help solve the key pressing challenges of AI—ensuring LLMs are trustworthy, transparent, and cost‑effective, with direct benefits for environmental sustainability.
• Work with cutting‑edge technology: Build systems that combine LLMs with formal verification—an emerging field at the forefront of AI safety and reliability where breakthrough developments happen every week.
• World‑class team: Collaborate with a scientific advisory board from leading institutions (Ecole polytechnique, ENS Paris‑Saclay, etc.) and experienced business angels from top tech companies.
• Strategic customers: Work with leading companies in healthcare, enterprise software, and other mission‑critical domains.
• Flexibility of an early‑stage startup: Autonomy to define how you work and what you prioritize.