3 year postdoc position at the intersection of theory, security, and systems at Leiden University

25-Jun-2026

3-year Post-Doctoral Researcher on Applications of Control-flow Equivalence to Systems and Security, Leiden University, NL

We are looking for a new colleague to join our exciting new research project at the intersection of theoretical computer science, computer systems, and cybersecurity.

What will you do

Develop theory aimed at applying concepts around bisimilarity to control flow graphs, with an eye towards applications in compiler engineering and security.
Design algorithms to put this theory to work for its intended application, along with the necessary optimizations to achieve a feasible runtime.
Implement and benchmark those algorithms to develop push-button solutions that can be applied to real-world source and binary code today.
Publish your results in excellent conferences and journals.
Contribute to our institute and continue developing your academic skills by engaging in teaching, student supervision, science outreach, or other relevant activities (based on mutual agreements).

What do you bring

A (near-)completed PhD in Computer Science or a related field.
Published work in either theoretical topics (such as automata theory, decision procedures, programming language semantics, verification) or systems and security (e.g., automated vulnerability detection, compilers).
Curiosity to develop your theory-oriented expertise with research applied to systems and security, or vice versa, adding more theory-oriented skills to a portfolio centered around systems or security research.
Experience developing and optimizing non-trivial software projects; experience using LLVM and/or AST libraries is preferred.
Enjoyment in developing and benchmarking proof-of-concept implementations of new algorithms and methodologies developed over the course of the research.

What we offer

An initial contract for 1 year, extensible for 2 more years.
A friendly team of supervisors and a warm and collegial working environment within a growing research institute.
Salary at scale 10 of the Dutch collective labor agreement for universities and other benefits.

We aim to fill this vacancy as soon as possible. Applications will be considered upon receipt. The vacancy will close on 31 August 2026.

More details about this vacancy and the application procedure are available here: https://careers.universiteitleiden.nl/job/Post-Doctoral-Researcher-on-Applications-of-Control-flow-Equivalence-to-Systems-and-Security/16630-en_US