Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - Mathematical Foundations of AI and Formal Reasoning

About the Job

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Mathematical Foundations of AI and Formal Reasoning. The start date of the position is July 1, 2027, or as mutually agreed. We offer an excellent research environment. The successful candidate will establish their own research program, supervise graduate students, and teach both graduate and undergraduate courses.

The University of Alberta provides an exceptional environment for research at the intersection of mathematics and AI. The Department has existing strength in formalization and formal reasoning, and there are substantial opportunities for collaboration with the Department of Computing Science and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). The successful candidate will also have opportunities to contribute to the University’s growing research and educational activities in AI and data science.

The University of Alberta has one of the leading joint Mathematics/Statistics departments in Canada and has strong connections with other scientific institutes, such as the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS), Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute (CANSSI), and the Banff International Research Station (BIRS). For more information about the Department, see www.mathstats.ualberta.ca. Questions regarding the position may be directed to [email protected].

Review of complete applications will begin on December 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD degree in Mathematics (or a closely related mathematical field) completed prior to the start date of this position.
• Must demonstrate strong promise and significant achievements in research in Mathematics in connection to AI and Formal Reasoning.
• A strong commitment to graduate and undergraduate teaching is essential.
• Areas of interest include mathematical foundations of AI, mathematics of AI safety and alignment, formalization of mathematics in Lean, and automated theorem proving.

Application Instructions

Application must be submitted through the University of Alberta Career Portal

Please submit the following as separate documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Teaching profile outlining your experience and interests

Throughout their application, we ask applicants to describe their plans for helping to reduce inequities, remove barriers to access, and cultivate a sense of belonging in their teaching, research, mentorship, and service.

We also require at least three confidential letters of reference, one of which addresses the candidate’s teaching ability. The referees should submit their letters to [email protected]. Interviewees will have the opportunity to express the need for any accommodations, e.g., related to one's mobility, dietary restrictions, child care, etc.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About the Team

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

About the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.